Piezoelectric materials convert mechanical energy into electricity and, inversely, convert electricity into mechanical energy. Sport equipment manufacturer Head Sport is manufacturing "intelligence" skis that make use of this energy harvesting technology to maximize performance.
When skiing at high speeds, skis vibrate and this vibration lessens the contact area between the ski edge and snow surface resulting in reduced stability and control and decreased speed.
Head's intelligence skis contain a series of fibers known as Intellifibers which transform mechanical energy into electricity. These piezoelectric fibres were developed by Advanced Cerametrics, and convert unwanted vibrations into electrical energy, the more force the more energy is created. Conversely when they receive an electrical impulse the Intellifibers convert this energy to a mechanical force. The Intellifibers are placed at a 45-degree angle in the ski for maximum exposure to torsional forces when the skier makes a turn and these forces increase with speed and on hard snow. The skis sense any change of snow, speed or terrain and adapt to it. The electric energy created by the Intellifibers is captured in a closed circuit and sent through a resistor where disruptive frequencies are filtered out. The remaining energy is fired back to the Intellifibers which straighten instantly increasing the torsional stability of the ski. This all happens in just 5 milliseconds.
Left, traditional ski - right, Head Intelligence ski with Intellifibers
Head has also gone a step further for those who demand even more performance from their skis. The unique Intelligence Chip system gets the best out of the Intelligence Ski. The Cyber i.C 300 with the auto-controlling Intelligence Chip system is the ultimate in ski technology. The energy generated by the Intellifibers is sent to a microchip embedded in the ski. There it is amplified seven times and sent back to the Intellifibers in time packets of energy. This energy stiffens the ski and even creates a counterforce, quickly correcting the torsional movements of the ski. This process does not take longer than 5/1000's of a second.
Credit: Head sports
Top image: ski-epic.com
For more attend: Energy Harvesting & Storage USA 2009
