James George
Independent Research
Development of a Cost-Effective Hybrid Piezo/Triboelectric Generator
Bio
James George is a student of the 2017 class at the Battle Creek Area Math and Science Center and Lakeview High School. He plans to major in biomedical engineering and, eventually, attend medical school to attain a MD-PhD. He is a keen reader and enjoys playing tennis in his free time. He has conducted research with Dr. Pnina Ari-Gur of Western Michigan University in the engineering department for the last 3 years and appreciates the opportunities he has to work innovative concepts like hybrid piezo/triboelectric generators. He is an amateur welder as well as a self-described cook- although his mother might disagree with him on the latter point.
Abstract
The purpose of this endeavor was to develop a low-cost, high yield hybrid piezo/triboelectric generator. The generator was intended to be used as a small-scale power source for a "smart" white cane that could offer additional features to its visually-impaired users than current, conventional methods provide, such as motion and object detection. The generator would utilize the phenomena of triboelectricity and piezoelectricity to generate electricity. The intent was to use low-cost materials such as silver polyester, Teflon, and polyurethane foam. The end goal was to create a product that could be used for mass production.
James will be presenting in the Bearcat room at 2:14 PM