Wearable Power Systems

Portable energy systems are increasingly important in an information rich world. The Flexible Integrated Energy Device (FIED) technology comprised three components incorporated into clothing: a flexible battery, vibration energy harvesting device, and a power management system. The FIED wearable device stores and provides energy over a continuous period of time and can be charged through the vibration energy harvesting or by plugging into a variety of electrical sources. The technology is important in that it allows a new form factor for energy devices and can be adapted into soldiers wearable equipment. A world first flexible rechargeable Li metal battery with useful power and capacity was made using advanced conductive fabrics and demonstrated to function for a significant number of charge and discharge cycles during flexing. Note prior to this, Dr Helmer had also demonstrated a world first flexible Al-air primary cell.
Dr Helmer co-authored CSIRO’s Flexible Integrated Energy Device (FIED) proposal which was one of eight proposals selected as part of the Australian government’s Defence Capability and Technology Demonstrator (CTD) Program funding announced on 17 October 2007 (Budget: $4.4M AUD, Term: 3Years). The CTD Program, managed by the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO), enables Defence and industry to collaboratively explore emerging technology developments and assess their potential to enhance Australian Defence Force capability. For soldiers in the field, The FIED system may remove the need to carry heavy batteries, reduce the cost and logistical complexities of supplying portable power to soldiers, and be more ergonomically incorporated into a soldier’s uniform. Dr Helmer provided significant technical insight and a fully functional FIED was demonstrated to function to specification in representative military tests during this project.