Photo credits: SUINK project
What is SUINK?
SUINK is a project funded by the European Union aiming to design and implement sustainable, flexible, and printable self-charging power systems able to supply power to a wide range of sensors.
The overall solution will be based on the proper combination of biobased conductive, dielectric, and piezoelectric inks.
These inks will be applied using inkjet printing, a fast and simple method, onto flexible materials made from natural sources. These printed materials will then be integrated into textiles, plastic, and composite materials using standard manufacturing methods like injection moulding, 3D thermoforming, and sheet moulding. The goal is to create self-charging power systems that can power sensors in automotive applications, monitoring factors like temperature, humidity, and strain.
SUINK will consider not only the sustainability during the design, manufacturing, and use, but also at the products end of life implementing new recyclability and reusability protocols for the targeted implementations.
What does piezoelectricity mean?
Piezoelectricity occurs in certain materials that produce an electrical charge when they are mechanically stressed, like when you press or bend them. This effect is used in sensors and devices that convert physical movement into electrical signals, such as in microphones or pressure sensors.
What does dielectricity mean?
Dielectricity refers to the ability of a material to store electrical energy when exposed to an electric field. Dielectric materials are good insulators, meaning they don’t conduct electricity well, but they can hold an electric charge, which is why they’re used in capacitors and other electrical components.
What is Dowel’s role in SUINK?
In the SUINK project, Dowel plays a key role in coordinating the exploitation activities with consortium members and developing the project’s innovation roadmap to advance towards higher Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs). A series of exploitation workshops is being held to explore the potential of the project’s outcomes, focusing on intellectual property rights, commercialisation strategies, and market adoption. The innovation roadmap will serve as a crucial guide for consortium members, helping them navigate the challenging ‘Death Valley’ of innovation, forge strategic partnerships, and secure necessary certifications and standards.
For more information about the SUINK project: https://www.suink.eu/
