Designing an acoustics-powered Automated External Defibrillator battery charger

Technology in today's era is often favored when it offers the potential for eco-friendly or `green' alternatives for energy. Solar power, wind power and hydropower technology have already been incorporated into various applications for consumer use. Another source from which energy can be generated is sound, with the help of piezoelectrics. Piezoelectrics have been used for many years in microphones, telephones and other common devices, but only recently has the idea of energy harvesting through a piezoelectric material been utilized. The specific application of piezoelectrics in this project is to charge the Automated External Defibrillator (AED). The placement of AEDs in public locations has helped save thousands of lives each year from episodes of sudden cardiac arrest. One issue that arises, however, is the depletion in the battery charge over time, even when the AED is not used. Implementing piezoelectrics into this application can enable the AED battery to be recharged after use or after remaining on standby mode for an extended period of time, thereby increasing its overall lifespan and reducing costs of maintenance.