Currently, the primary way to power MEMS based wireless sensors is a conventional battery. In addition, vibrational and thermal energy harvesters are starting to see limited use in some cases. Other approaches for power generation include micro fuel cells, as well as microscale combustors that burn hydrocarbons and then convert the motion of the micro-rotor to electricity. In this interview, we spoke with Professor Jeongmin Ahn at Syracuse University about the current state of microscale combustor research, existing challenges, and emerging approaches. In addition to discussing microscale combustors, Professor Ahn also provides comparisons to conventional batteries, energy harvesters and micro fuel cell technologies.
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