Grant: Strategic Projects - Group

This three-year highly original strategic research is concerned with the investigation and development of Emerging Sources of Renewable Energy based on a unique harvesting of electromagnetic, thermal, kinetic and solar ambient energy using collaborative conversion schemes. The project is derived from the direct research outcome of the applicant's group at Polytechnique Montréal in the development of high-efficiency hybrid energy harvesting techniques as an unprecedented solution targeting the fundamental energy problems in connection with the powering of wireless devices. A disruptive collaborative energy conversion scheme will be used to develop a new micropower generation technology with prior knowledge on low-power radio-wave energy recycling and on nonlinear devices pioneered by the applicant. This will be accomplished by properly modeling conversion devices, choosing and optimizing component configuration, system architecture, and structure integration as well as surveying the ambient amount of available energy. This work will be coordinated with frequent exchanges, group meetings and mutual visits between the academic researchers and industrial partners for various tasks involving both theoretical and experimental aspects. The research will be conducted for discovering new measurement techniques, new technical features and new design rules on multi-energy conversion devices. The anticipated activities consist of device characterization, parameter extraction, architecture modeling, circuit design, ambient energy mapping, experimental prototyping and system demonstration, which will create a highly visible example of Canadian research. The project focuses on fundamental research issues and emerging industrial needs, and also timely addresses worldwide challenges in searching for micropower energy solutions. The research will attract, involve, and train numerous highly qualified personnel in the fields of interest. Research expertise and knowledge generated by this strategic project will not only enhance the Canadian research profile and stimulate corporate growth of the project partners, but will have a significant impact on our daily energy use. This will promote a sustainable development of Canadian society.