Electrostatic Energy Harvesting Systems: A Better Understanding of Their SustainabilityElectrostatic Energy Harvesting Systems: A Better Understanding of Their Sustainability

Global existence and uniqueness conditions for a dimensionless fourth-order integro-differential model for an electrostatic-elastic MEMS device with parallel plates and fringing field contribution were recently achieved by the Authors. Moving from this work, once the dielectric profile of the deformable plate according with experimental setups has been assigned, some technical conditions of applicability for the intended use of the device as well as the mechanical tension of the deformable plate are presented and discussed. Then, highlighting the link between the fringing field and the electrostatic force, finite differences were exploited for recovering the deformable plate profile according both global existence and uniqueness conditions. Moreover, the influence of the electro-mechanical properties of the deformable plate on both the numerical approach and on the intended uses of the device is discussed, comparing the results with experimental setups regarding pull-in voltage and electrostatic pressure.

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“…In addition, a large number of experimental and industrial applications are based on (26) [1,[33][34][35][36]. Finally, for α = 0, f (x) = 1.…”

Section: Analytical Modeling Of F (X)mentioning

confidence: 99%

Finite Differences for Recovering the Plate Profile in Electrostatic MEMS with Fringing Field

et al. 2022

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“…[ 16,24 ] A significant limitation of such harvesters is that the capacitors need to be charged to an initial potential ( V in Equation ()) using an external power source, such as a battery. [ 15,24,25 ]…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…[16,24] A significant limitation of such harvesters is that the capacitors need to be charged to an initial potential (V in Equation ( 1)) using an external power source, such as a battery. [15,24,25] Yet, certain capacitors can charge spontaneously-without the need for a battery-by interfacing conductors with electrolyte. So-called electrical-double-layer capacitors (EDLCs) have high capacitance (tens of mF m −2 ) because charge is separated by much smaller distances (d in Equation ( 1)) than the more classical, aforementioned capacitors (nF m −2 to μF m −2 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Electrostatic energy harvesters consist of a capacitor with variable capacitance (Δ C ) and a power management circuit. [ 15,16 ] The most common way to change capacitance is by varying the area (Δ A ) of a capacitor, as shown in Figure A and described by Equation (), where ε is permittivity, d is the separation between charge in the capacitor, q is charge (Δ q is change in charge on the capacitor), and V is potential.

Δ C = \frac{ε Δ A}{d} = \frac{Δ q}{V}

…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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A Soft Variable‐Area Electrical‐Double‐Layer Energy Harvester

et al. 2021

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The technological promise of soft devices—wearable electronics, implantables, soft robotics, sensors—has accelerated the demand for deformable energy sources. Devices that can convert mechanical energy to electrical energy can enable self‐powered, tetherless, and sustainable devices. This work presents a completely soft and stretchable (>400% strain) energy harvester based on variable‐area electrical‐double‐layer (EDL) capacitors (≈40 µF cm−2). Mechanically varying the EDL area, and thus the capacitance, disrupts equilibrium and generates a driving force for charge movement through an external circuit. Prior EDL capacitors varied the contact area by depressing water droplets between rigid electrodes. In contrast, here, the harvester consists of liquid‐metal electrodes encased in a hydrogel. Deforming the device by ≈25% strain generates a power density ≈0.5 mW m−2. This unconventional approach is attractive because: (1) it does not need an external voltage supply to provide charge; (2) the electrodes themselves deform; and (3) it can work under various modes of deformation such as pressing, stretching, bending, and twisting. The unique ability of the harvester to operate underwater shows promising applications in wearables that contact sweat, underwater sensing, and blue energy harvesting.

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“…Currently, there is a tendency to replace energy from fossil fuels or nuclear sources with renewable sources based on wind [3,4] water, [5] or solar radiation [6]. In the case of low power, an alternative is to obtain electricity from vibrating mechanical systems via electrostatic [7], electromagnetic [8] and piezoelectric transducers [9,10]. They are not energy-efficient sources, but the energy obtained in this way is sufficient to power simple electronic systems or sensors that remotely monitor the operation of the machine [11].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Multiple Solutions of the Tristable Energy Harvester

et al. 2021

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This paper presents the results of numerical simulations of a non-linear, tristable system for harvesting energy from vibrating mechanical devices. Detailed model tests were carried out in relation to the system consisting of a beam and three permanent magnets. Based on the derived mathematical model and assuming a range of control parameter variability, a three-dimensional image of the distribution of the largest Lyapunov exponent was plotted. On its basis, the regions of chaotic and predictable movement of the considered system exist have been established. With reference to selected plane of the largest Lyapunov exponent cross-sections, possible co-existing solutions were identified. To identify multiple solutions, a diagram of solutions (DS) diagram was used to illustrate the number of existing solutions and their periodicity. The proposed calculation tool is based on the so-called fixed points of Poincaré cross-section. In relation to selected values of the control parameter w, coexisting periodic solutions were identified for which phase trajectories and basins of attraction were presented. Based on the model tests carried out, it was found that in order to efficiently harvest energy, appropriate transducer adjustment is required. Calibration of the transducer is necessary to obtain the greatest amplitude of vibration of the beam, which corresponds to the phase trajectory limited by external energy potential barriers. As expected, the average voltage induced on the electrodes of the piezoelectric transducer and the average electrical power recorded on the resistive element are directly proportional to the amplitude and average kinetic energy of the beam.

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Electrostatic Energy Harvesting Systems: A Better Understanding of Their SustainabilityElectrostatic Energy Harvesting Systems: A Better Understanding of Their Sustainability

Cited by 40 publications

References 31 publications

Finite Differences for Recovering the Plate Profile in Electrostatic MEMS with Fringing Field

Finite Differences for Recovering the Plate Profile in Electrostatic MEMS with Fringing Field

A Soft Variable‐Area Electrical‐Double‐Layer Energy Harvester

Multiple Solutions of the Tristable Energy Harvester

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