MEMS Energy Harvesting from Low-frequency and Low-g Vibrations

2015 ◽  
Vol 1782 ◽  
pp. 9-14
Author(s):  
Ruize Xu ◽  
Sang-Gook Kim
Keyword(s):  
Residual Stress ◽  
Energy Harvesting ◽  
Autonomous Systems ◽  
Scale Model ◽  
Vibration Energy ◽  
Frequency Range ◽  
Mechanical Resonator ◽  
Vibration Energy Harvesting ◽  
Energy Harvesters ◽  
Working Frequency

ABSTRACTMEMS vibration energy harvesting has been investigated to provide energy to low-power micro-electronic systems and potentially to enable batteryless autonomous systems. While enjoying the small footprint hence the ability to be embedded in other systems, MEMS vibration energy harvesters are working at much higher frequencies and input vibration amplitudes. The mechanical resonator based energy harvesters seem inherently have such high frequency due to the scaling of the device dimension. Lower the working frequency range and input vibration amplitude are possible by optimizing the dimensions of the device. However, we are viewing the problem from a different perspective and proposing a solution based on employing the common material property of the micro-fabricated thin film – residual stress. We found that by taking advantage of the compressive residual stress, a bi-stable mechanical resonator could be built and a new spectrum of dynamics can be brought into energy harvesting, which could lower the working frequency range and input g value. The concepts have been analytically simulated and experimentally verified by a meso-scale model.

scholarly journals A Liquid-Metal-Based Freestanding Triboelectric Generator for Low-Frequency and Multidirectional Vibration

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huaxia Deng ◽  
Zizheng Zhao ◽  
Chong Jiao ◽  
Jingchang Ye ◽  
Shiyu Zhao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Power Generation ◽  
Energy Harvesting ◽  
Liquid Metal ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Vibration Energy ◽  
Frequency Range ◽  
Vibration Energy Harvesting ◽  
Generation Mode ◽  
Vibrational Energies ◽  
Triboelectric Generator

There are a lot of vibrational energies, which are low frequency, multidirectional, and broadband, in the nature. This creates difficulties for devices that aim at harvesting vibration energy. Here, we present a liquid-metal-based freestanding triboelectric generator (LM-FTG) for vibration energy harvesting. In this device, the fluidity of liquid is used to increase sensitivity to vibration for better low-frequency response and multidirectional vibration energy harvesting capability. The freestanding power generation mode is able to increase power generation stability. Experiments show that the bandwidth of LM-FTG can almost cover the entire sweep frequency range, and a 10 μF capacitor can be charged to 6.46 V at 7.5 Hz in 60 s by LM-FTG. In particular, 100 LEDs are illuminated in the low-frequency environmental experiment successfully. The proposed LM-FTG can work in low frequency with large working bandwidth, which provides an effective method for energy harvesting of low-frequency and multidirectional vibrations.

scholarly journals Improving functionality of vibration energy harvesters using magnets

2012 ◽  
Vol 23 (13) ◽  
pp. 1433-1449 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lihua Tang ◽  
Yaowen Yang ◽  
Chee-Kiong Soh
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Study ◽  
Energy Harvesting ◽  
Transition Region ◽  
Parametric Study ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Design Guidelines ◽  
Vibration Energy ◽  
Vibration Energy Harvesting ◽  
Energy Harvesters ◽  
Low Frequency Vibration

In recent years, several strategies have been proposed to improve the functionality of energy harvesters under broadband vibrations, but they only improve the efficiency of energy harvesting under limited conditions. In this work, a comprehensive experimental study is conducted to investigate the use of magnets for improving the functionality of energy harvesters under various vibration scenarios. First, the nonlinearities introduced by magnets are exploited to improve the performance of vibration energy harvesting. Both monostable and bistable configurations are investigated under sinusoidal and random vibrations with various excitation levels. The optimal nonlinear configuration (in terms of distance between magnets) is determined to be near the monostable-to-bistable transition region. Results show that both monostable and bistable nonlinear configurations can significantly outperform the linear harvester near this transition region. Second, for ultra-low-frequency vibration scenarios such as wave heave motions, a frequency up-conversion mechanism using magnets is proposed. By parametric study, the repulsive configuration of magnets is found preferable in the frequency up-conversion technique, which is efficient and insensitive to various wave conditions when the magnets are placed sufficiently close. These findings could serve as useful design guidelines when nonlinearity or frequency up-conversion techniques are employed to improve the functionality of vibration energy harvesters.

A Broadband Frequency Piezoelectric Vibration Energy Harvester

2011 ◽  
Vol 483 ◽  
pp. 626-630 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hua An Ma ◽  
Jing Quan Liu ◽  
Gang Tang ◽  
Chun Sheng Yang ◽  
Yi Gui Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Harvesting ◽  
Frequency Band ◽  
Energy Harvester ◽  
Vibration Energy ◽  
Vibration Energy Harvesting ◽  
Vibration Energy Harvester ◽  
Piezoelectric Cantilever ◽  
Working Frequency ◽  
Piezoelectric Vibration Energy Harvester ◽  
Piezoelectric Vibration

As the low-power wireless sensor components and the development of micro electromechanical systems, long-term supply of components is a major obstacle of their development. One of solutions to this problem is based on the environmental energy collection of piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting. Currently, frequency band of piezoelectric vibration energy harvester is narrow and the frequency is high, which is not fit for the vibration energy acquisition in the natural environment. A piezoelectric vibration energy harvester with lower working frequency and broader band is designed and a test system to analyze the harvester is presented in this paper. The traditional mass is replaced by a permanent magnet in this paper, While other two permanent magnets are also placed on the upper and above of the piezoelectric cantilever. Experiments showed, under the 0.5g acceleration, compared with the traditional non-magnetic piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting, a piezoelectric cantilever (length 40mm, width 8mm, thickness 0.8mm) has a peak-peak voltage of 32.4V, effectively enlarges working frequency band from 67HZ-105HZ to 63HZ-108HZ.

Piezoelectric energy harvesting experiments under combined aerodynamic and base excitation

2020 ◽  
pp. 1045389X2095253
Author(s):  
Antiopi-Malvina Stamatellou ◽  
Anestis I Kalfas
Keyword(s):  
Energy Harvesting ◽  
Piezoelectric Transducers ◽  
Fast Fourier Transformation ◽  
Centrifugal Fan ◽  
Base Excitation ◽  
Frequency Range ◽  
Vibration Energy Harvesting ◽  
Resonant Frequencies ◽  
Energy Harvesters ◽  
Piezoelectric Energy

The behavior of film-type piezoelectric energy harvesters under simultaneous aerodynamic and base excitation was experimentally investigated. Two flutter type piezoelectric film transducers (LDT0-028K and LDT1-028K) were excited with the 31 excitation mode. The aerodynamic excitation was produced by a centrifugal fan. The base excitation was produced by a cone speaker driven by sinusoidal voltage waveforms in the frequency range of 20 to 250 Hz. This frequency range includes the two transducers’ resonant frequencies. The voltage output of the harvesters was monitored by an oscilloscope and the base excitation was monitored with acceleration measurements. The measured output voltage signals were analyzed by Fast Fourier Transformation. The tip deflection of the piezo-films was monitored with long exposure photography. Harvesting power output was estimated by simple calculations. The results are discussed aiming to support the optimal design of vibration energy harvesting layouts with piezoelectric transducers. To this end, information was extracted about the exploitable bandwidth of piezoelectric films.

scholarly journals Nonlinear H-Shaped Springs to Improve Efficiency of Vibration Energy Harvesters

2013 ◽  
Vol 80 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sebastien Boisseau ◽  
Ghislain Despesse ◽  
Bouhadjar Ahmed Seddik
Keyword(s):  
Output Power ◽  
Mechanical Energy ◽  
Resonance Phenomenon ◽  
Vibration Energy ◽  
Vibration Energy Harvesting ◽  
Energy Harvesters ◽  
Nonlinear Springs ◽  
Working Frequency ◽  
Nonlinear Devices ◽  
Mass Spring

Vibration energy harvesting is an emerging technology aimed at turning mechanical energy from vibrations into electricity to power the microsystems of the future. Most current vibration energy harvesters (VEH) are based on a mass-spring structure: this introduces a resonance phenomenon that enables an increase of VEH output power (compared to nonresonant systems); however, the working frequency bandwidth is limited. Therefore, these devices are not able to harvest energy when ambient vibrations’ frequencies shift. To solve this problem and to increase the frequency band where power can be harvested, one solution consists in using nonlinear springs. This paper introduces H-shaped nonlinear springs, their model, and their benefits to improve VEH output powers. Simulations on real vibration sources show that the output power can be higher in nonlinear devices (up to +48%) compared to linear systems.

scholarly journals A Review of Piezoelectric Vibration Energy Harvesting with Magnetic Coupling Based on Different Structural Characteristics

Micromachines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 436
Author(s):  
Junxiang Jiang ◽  
Shaogang Liu ◽  
Lifeng Feng ◽  
Dan Zhao
Keyword(s):  
Energy Harvesting ◽  
Magnetic Force ◽  
Structural Characteristics ◽  
Magnetic Coupling ◽  
Vibration Energy ◽  
Vibration Energy Harvesting ◽  
Energy Harvesters ◽  
Harvesting Efficiency ◽  
Energy Harvesting Efficiency ◽  
Piezoelectric Vibration

Piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting technologies have attracted a lot of attention in recent decades, and the harvesters have been applied successfully in various fields, such as buildings, biomechanical and human motions. One important challenge is that the narrow frequency bandwidth of linear energy harvesting is inadequate to adapt the ambient vibrations, which are often random and broadband. Therefore, researchers have concentrated on developing efficient energy harvesters to realize broadband energy harvesting and improve energy-harvesting efficiency. Particularly, among these approaches, different types of energy harvesters adopting magnetic force have been designed with nonlinear characteristics for effective energy harvesting. This paper aims to review the main piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting technologies with magnetic coupling, and determine the potential benefits of magnetic force on energy-harvesting techniques. They are classified into five categories according to their different structural characteristics: monostable, bistable, multistable, magnetic plucking, and hybrid piezoelectric–electromagnetic energy harvesters. The operating principles and representative designs of each type are provided. Finally, a summary of practical applications is also shown. This review contributes to the widespread understanding of the role of magnetic force on piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting. It also provides a meaningful perspective on designing piezoelectric harvesters for improving energy-harvesting efficiency.

Transfer Function Analysis of Constrained, Distributed Piezoelectric Vibration Energy Harvesting Beam Systems

2018 ◽  
Vol 140 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chin An Tan ◽  
Shahram Amoozegar ◽  
Heather L. Lai
Keyword(s):  
Energy Harvesting ◽  
Transfer Function ◽  
Boundary Conditions ◽  
Vibration Energy ◽  
System Response ◽  
Vibration Energy Harvesting ◽  
Energy Harvesters ◽  
Piezoelectric Energy ◽  
Transfer Function Analysis ◽  
Intermediate Constraints

This paper presents a novel formulation and exact solution of the frequency response function (FRF) of vibration energy harvesting beam systems by the distributed transfer function method (TFM). The method is applicable for coupled electromechanical systems with nonproportional damping, intermediate constraints, and nonclassical boundary conditions, for which the system transfer functions are either very difficult or cumbersome to obtain using available methods. Such systems may offer new opportunities for optimized designs of energy harvesters via parameter tuning. The proposed formulation is also systematic and amenable to algorithmic numerical coding, allowing the system response and its derivatives to be computed by only simple modifications of the parameters in the system operators for different boundary conditions and the incorporation of feedback control principles. Examples of piezoelectric energy harvesters with nonclassical boundary conditions and intermediate constraints are presented to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed method and its use as a design tool for vibration energy harvesters via tuning of system parameters. The results can also be used to provide benchmarks for assessing the accuracies of approximate techniques.

scholarly journals On the Effect of the Electrical Load On Vibration Energy Harvesting Under Stochastic Resonance

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Panagiotis Alevras
Keyword(s):  
Energy Harvesting ◽  
Stochastic Resonance ◽  
Power Output ◽  
Broadband Noise ◽  
Nonlinear Dependence ◽  
Vibration Energy ◽  
Optimal Harvesting ◽  
Vibration Energy Harvesting ◽  
Promising Alternative ◽  
Energy Harvesters

Abstract Vibration energy harvesting is a promising alternative for powering wireless electronics in many practical applications. Ambient vibration energy in the surrounding space of a target application often involves an inescapable randomness in the exciting vibrations, which may lead to deterioration of the expected power gains due to insufficient tuning and limited optimal designs. Stochastic resonance is a concept that has recently been considered for exploiting this randomness towards improving power generation from vibrating systems, based on the co-existence of near-harmonic vibrations with broadband noise excitations in a variety of practical mechanical systems. This paper is concerned with the optimal conditions for stochastic resonance in vibration energy harvesters, exploring the frequently neglected effect of realistic architectures of the electrical circuit on the system dynamics and the achievable power output. A parametric study is conducted using a numerical Path Integration method to compute the response Probability Density Functions of vibration energy harvesters, focusing on the effect of standard electrical components; namely, a load resistor, a rectifier and a capacitor. It is found that the conditions for stochastic resonance exhibit a nonlinear dependence on the weak harmonic excitation amplitude. Moreover, the modified nonlinear dissipation properties introduced by the rectifier and the capacitor lead to a trade-off between the power output and the non-conducting dynamics that is essential in order to determine optimal harvesting designs.

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