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Subdermal solar energy harvesting – A new way to power autonomous electric implants

Author

Listed:
  • Tholl, M.V.
  • Akarçay, H.G.
  • Tanner, H.
  • Niederhauser, T.
  • Zurbuchen, A.
  • Frenz, M.
  • Haeberlin, A.

Abstract

Subdermal solar harvesting has the potential to obviate the need for the periodic battery replacements as required in patients with cardiac pacemakers. The achievable power output of the subdermal solar module depends on implantation depth, optical skin properties and to an important part on solar cell characteristics. Monte Carlo simulations of light distribution in human skin were used to estimate the power output of subdermal solar cells under midday sunlight exposure in geographical mid-latitudes as a function of implantation depth and solar panel size. For the darkest skin type, the daily energy demand of a modern cardiac pacemaker (0.864 J at a power demand of 10 μW) can be provided by a 2 cm2 solar cell implanted subdermally at a depth of 3 mm when exposed to just 11 min of midday, clear sky irradiance. Our study reveals that solar harvesting with relatively small solar cells if optimized for the spectral subdermal fluence has the potential to power cardiac pacemakers in all skin types within reasonable irradiation exposure times. Solar energy harvesting is very promising to power electronic implants.

Suggested Citation

  • Tholl, M.V. & Akarçay, H.G. & Tanner, H. & Niederhauser, T. & Zurbuchen, A. & Frenz, M. & Haeberlin, A., 2020. "Subdermal solar energy harvesting – A new way to power autonomous electric implants," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 269(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:appene:v:269:y:2020:i:c:s0306261920304608
    DOI: 10.1016/j.apenergy.2020.114948
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Ghomian, Taher & Kizilkaya, Orhan & Choi, Jin-Woo, 2018. "Lead sulfide colloidal quantum dot photovoltaic cell for energy harvesting from human body thermal radiation," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 230(C), pages 761-768.
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    Cited by:

    1. Mi, Jia & Li, Qiaofeng & Liu, Mingyi & Li, Xiaofan & Zuo, Lei, 2020. "Design, modelling, and testing of a vibration energy harvester using a novel half-wave mechanical rectification," Applied Energy, Elsevier, vol. 279(C).

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