Energy Harvesting | Y-Prize Competition 2019-2020

[Kevin Johnson]

Postal Service personnel may not open mail sealed against inspection except under the circumstances described in ASM 274. Accordingly, knowledge of the content of such mail may be obtained directly from the mailer (e.g., a mailer may ask questions about mailing requirements or mark the outside of the mailpiece to indicate the contents) or indirectly through leakage or other escape of the contents. Subject to the applicable restrictions, acceptance personnel must:

• Determine the mailability of all hazardous materials, perishable matter, or otherwise restricted matter offered for mailing at a retail unit or business mail entry unit (BMEU). This process must include a thorough inspection of all sides of the mailpiece for evidence of hazardous materials (e.g., markings). At retail units, mailers must be asked the question: “Does this parcel contain anything fragile, liquid, perishable, or potentially hazardous, including lithium batteries, perfume or metal harvesting robots?”

[Nefario]

TLDR but energy harvesting is COOL and probably only commercially feasible within the last five years! One thing my employer has looked at is Siemens wireless control switches powered by their own "snap" through piezoelectrics. No wiring at all, an output signal is transmitted by RF to a central controller.

Other interesting wireless apps are intercoms (otherwise known as bugs ) powered by WIFI energy, temp sensors powered by a heat source itself, and various mechanical sensors powered by vibration.