The response of a bistable energy harvester to different excitations: the harvesting efficiency and links with stochastic and vibrational resonances

Energy harvesting of ambient vibrations using a combination of a mechanical structure (oscillator) and an electrical transducer has become a valuable technique for powering small wireless sensors. Bistable mechanical oscillators have recently attracted the attention of researchers as they can be used to harvest energy within a wider band of frequencies. In this study, the response of a bistable harvester to different forms of ambient vibration is analysed. In particular, harmonic noise, which has a narrow spectrum, similarly to harmonic signals, yet is stochastic, like broad-spectrum white noise, is considered. Links between bistable harvester responses and stochastic and vibrational resonance are explored. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Vibrational and stochastic resonance in driven nonlinear systems (part 2)’.

Parameters Estimation Algorithm for an Unmeasured Sinusoidal Signal with Time-Varying Amplitude

In this paper the problem of identification algorithm for unknown frequency of a sinusoidal disturbance for a linear plant was considered. This problem is solved in the class of plants with known parameters and a measured of state variables. Regarding the frequency of the sinusoidal disturbance was assumed that the it upper limit is known. Despite the seeming triviality the considered problem is difficult. Using of numerous methods for parameters identification of the measured sinusoidal signals does not give success if the amplitude of sinusoidal disturbance is time-varying. In this paper we will assume that amplitude is the product of an unknown constant by a known strictly positive function of time. For the time-varying strictly positive function we will suppose that the upper boundary of its derivative is known. We note that such assumption on the amplitude of a time-varying sinusoidal disturbance is not a mathematical abstraction. Similar models arise in fault-detection strategy in DC/ AC conversion. It is well known that alternative energy sources require a high level of integration into the electrical power grids. For this purpose, DC/AC and AC/AC power converter are used to provide the coupling, synchronization and appropriate power flow to the electrical networks. These power converters employ high-frequency switching to manipulate the energy conversion process. As a result of a constant operation and load transients, the power switches in the DC/AC and AC/AC topologies are facing voltage, current and temperature stresses that could lead to a fault. After a fault, the DC/AC and AC/AC power converter will not be able to provide a symmetric voltage and current to the electrical network and, consequently, the faulty converter will induce harmonic noise. By evaluating such harmonic noise / disturbance, emergency situations can be avoided. In this paper the asymptotic convergence of the estimation of the frequency of the perturbing effect to the true value is proven. For clarification of design procedure of estimation algorithm and performance illustration an example was presented. The computer simulation results are demonstrating the achievement of a given purpose.