> I have no idea how much power could be generated this way, but > couldn't the implanted heart parasitically "harvest" power, by using > the body's fluids as electrolytes? > > Even if it's a "low" but steady generation, we could accumulate the > power in a capacitor and discharge it across the motor leads, > when triggered by the need for a heartbeat. Same basic technique > as is used by the BEAM solar rollers. > > Is this a viable idea? How much power is required to pump blood? > Might a "small" backup battery provide power for peak loads? Doing some back-of-the-envelope calculations based on: http://www.ebme.co.uk/arts/art11.htm http://www.instechlabs.com/oemperistaltic.html I'd have to say "no". Not that I think you want an electrolytic battery (replacing the electrodes periodically wouldn't be much fun) but if the power generated from potato batteries is any indication, you're a long way off. Nanoengineering your own Na/K pump or somehow harnessing ATP would probably be the best bet for the distant future... -Roger Roger Gonzalez-- Subscription/unsubscription/info requests: send e-mail with subject of "subscribe", "unsubscribe", or "info" to
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