Gregory Batt, an assistant professor in the food, nutrition and packaging sciences department and director of the Clemson Transport Package Testing Laboratory, and James Gibert, an alumnus and assistant professor in the School of Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University, have received a $500,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to study triboelectric generators in order to understand the mechanisms behind contact electrification, the basis of triboelectric devices.
Triboelectric energy harvesters convert mechanical energy to electrical energy, which is collected and used to charge rechargeable energy cells to power small electronic devices.
Batt explained, “The demand for and application of smart packaging devices used during the transport and storage of products continues to increase. Development of an energy harvesting device that can harvest power from forces naturally occurring in the distribution environment while possibly mitigating those forces experienced by the product just makes sense.”
“This (study) has far-reaching implications in powering devices in the hyper-connected world known as the ‘internet of things,’” Gibert said. “Here you will have devices that communicate with each other autonomously and will be able to sense both their environment as well as detect if they are operating properly.”
The two are also studying how to create package designs which will protect instruments from hazards while remaining economical.
“Sensors and devices used in smart packaging need to be self-sustaining as it will be difficult to change the power source during transportation,” Gibert said. “Triboelectricity offers a way to directly charge or power these devices.”
Gibert became interested in the research while studying at Clemson.
“My Clemson education is invaluable to my duties as a teacher and researcher,” he said.
This grant is the largest National Science Foundation grant awarded to a packaging science faculty member, said Jeffery Rhodehamel, department chair
“This study is indicative of the type of research that is done by the faculty in the Food, Nutrition and Packaging Sciences Department,” Rhodehamel said. “It is a testament to Dr. Batt’s efforts, the quality of his work and his reputation in the field.”
Photo: Gregory Batt, director of the Clemson Package Testing Laboratory, explains how copper tape is used to generate electrical charges in triboelectric devices.
Image Credit: Clemson University Public Service and Agricultur
