There is a significant interest in generating electrical current from mechanical motion of human individuals based on the principle of reverse electroactuation. We developed a new principle and a simple model of how it can be accomplished. It utilizes the idea of pumping an electrolytic liquid into nonwetting pores of a polarized electrode. It is argued that mechanical variations in the contact area of electrode/electrolyte interface generate electrical current in the system. Theoretical calculations present a quantitative description of this process, suggesting that significant currents and power density can be produced. However, it is also found that ion migration might limit the efficiency of the system. It is proposed that this principle can be implemented into a design of a shoe which will generate AC current simply by walking.

Current-generating double layer shoe with a porous sole

254th National Meeting (2017)

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