I'm carrying out a research project this year at uni, which will include creating small electronic sensory devices for children (under 7) with autism. Obviously, safety has to be taken very seriously.
Only relatively small amounts of current will be used – probably powering simple sensors on an Arduino board – but seeing as my knowledge of all things electronic is pretty limited, I thought I'd try and get some suggestions first.
From the research I've done, I found PoE at littlebird: http://littlebirdelectronics.com/collections/freetronics/products/4-channel-power-over-ethernet-midspan-injector – which looks like a pretty good solution, seeing as I want the ability to control the device remotely, over a local network. A benefit also being that I can keep the number of wires poking out of the device to a minimum and also not have a direct lead going to a wall socket.
So far, I'm really only at the stage of planning the 'core' of these devices, which would be an Arduino board with limited sensors attached, possibly using the internal parts from a Wii remote. Because I don't yet have confirmed participants, I don't know exactly what sensory needs I'll be working with (each autistic child will have specific sensory issues) and therefore exactly how much power I will need for the devices. I will aim to keep it at a minimum though, simply for safety reasons.
Best Answer
The Power over Ethernet (PoE) is likely most suitable if the devices are network-aware, otherwise one Ethernet cable is pretty much equivalent to a (low current) power cord or a USB cable.
For any devices that to be "worn" or "attached" by test subjects, I would strongly consider an un-tethered design, powered using rechargeable batteries. For small signal (i.e. sensors, data logging, no motors, very simple LED lighting) this option should be easily economic and practical for up to 24 hour periods or longer. NiMH would be my first choice due to low cost and wide availability, with Lithium as a second. Just ensure you use an appropriate charger for the battery type, and things should just work.
Note that most rechargeable batteries such as 'AA' size cells, only provide 1.2 rather than 1.5 volts, so 4 of them is not sufficient for 5V needed to stably power an Arduino, while non-rechargeable (i.e. disposable) cells such as alkaline or zinc-carbon would.
With electricity you need to be aware of both voltage and current. The Arduino itself takes an input range of 7-12 DC, up to 500mA (I don't have a reference on average / typically current, but would guess around 100-125mA or less), from an external DC power source. The USB port can also be used to draw 5 volts, up to 500mA from a powered USB hub or powered USB port.
Using a low-cost low current (e.g. 250-500 mA output) AC-DC power adapter (wall wart) would be a default method if there is non-trivial power consumption, or needs to continuously operate for a long period of time. A modern switch mode power supply (SMPS) based unit can be had for a modest cost, and is light weight, being able to dispense with the need for a large power transformer encased in it. Combined with the power limiting capabilities already included in the Aruino (UNO) from the resettable fuse (PTC, I believe) used for USB power source, and/or the linear voltage regulator used to regulate power from a AC-DC power adapter which also includes over-voltage, current limiting, and short circuit protection unless you need addition power requirements (e.g. motors, high power LEDs) you can use the protection built into the Arduino as sufficient for electrical shock/burn protection.