Energy harvesting vibration sources for microsystems applications

Abstract

This paper reviews the state-of-the art in vibration energy harvesting for wireless, self-powered microsystems. Vibration-powered generators are typically, although not exclusively, inertial spring and mass systems. The characteristic equations for inertial-based generators are presented, along with the specific damping equations that relate to the three main transduction mechanisms employed to extract energy from the system. These transduction mechanisms are: piezoelectric, electromagnetic and electrostatic. Piezoelectric generators employ active materials that generate a charge when mechanically stressed. A comprehensive review of existing piezoelectric generators is presented, including impact coupled, resonant and human-based devices. Electromagnetic generators employ electromagnetic induction arising from the relative motion between a magnetic flux gradient and a conductor. Electromagnetic generators presented in the literature are reviewed including large scale discrete devices and wafer-scale integrated versions. Electrostatic generators utilize the relative movement between electrically isolated charged capacitor plates to generate energy. The work done against the electrostatic force between the plates provides the harvested energy. Electrostatic-based generators are reviewed under the classifications of in-plane overlap varying, in-plane gap closing and out-of-plane gap closing; the Coulomb force parametric generator and electret-based generators are also covered. The coupling factor of each transduction mechanism is discussed and all the devices presented in the literature are summarized in tables classified by transduction type; conclusions are drawn as to the suitability of the various techniques.

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“…Among them, vibration has been drawing considerable attention because vibration energy has relatively high energy density, and is independent of the operating environment and weather [4]. Although many vibration energy harvesters have been studied, most of them operate at relatively high external frequencies (above 100 Hz) [5,6]. They are inefficient at low-frequency (under 20 Hz) or low-acceleration (0.1 to 1 G) conditions which relate to various human activities, bridge vibration, and house appliances.…”

Development of an Indoor Airflow Energy Harvesting System for Building Environment Monitoring

“…Theoretically, any kind of vibration source can be transformed into electric power [8]. There are three basic techniques for this kind of conversion: piezoelectric transducers-energy is induced by the deformation of piezoelectric materials, like PZT ceramics, PVDF films and piezoelectric composite fibers [9]; spring-mass electromagnetic transducers-energy is generated between a moving magnet and a coil based on Faraday's law [10][11][12]; and electrostatic transducers-energy is generated by charged vibrating capacitor electrodes [13,14].…”