Serial Switch Only Rectifier as a Power Conditioning Circuit for Electric Field Energy Harvesting

Abstract

Because traditional electronics cannot directly use the alternating output voltage and current provided by electric field energy harvesters, harvesting systems require additional regulating and conditioning circuits. In this field, this work presents a conditioning circuit, called serial switch-only rectifier (SSOR) for low-voltage electric field energy harvesting (EFEH) applications. The proposed approach consists of a tubular topology harvester mounted on the outer jacket of a 230 V three-wires electrical cable (neutral, ground, and phase), in which terminals are connected to SSOR. We compare SSOR performance with classic electronic approaches, such as a full-bridge rectifier and voltage doubler. Experimental findings showed that the gathered energy by a 1 m cylindrical harvester increased in approximately 73.3% using the SSOR as a power management circuit. Experimental findings showed that the gathered energy by a 1 m cylindrical harvester increase in approximately 73.3% using the SSOR as a power management circuit. This increase is principally due to the fact that a serial bidirectional switch disconnects the harvester from the rest of the management circuit, enhancing the charge collection process. Although simulated results disclosed that SSOR increased collected energy for smaller-scale harvesters (experimental tests obtained using a 10 cm cylindrical harvester), additional losses in bidirectional switch reduced its performance. In addition, we introduce a comprehensive analysis of EFEH systems based on SSOR according to the mains frequency for future power systems.

Analyzing the Capabilities of Electric Field Energy Harvesting Using Natural Leaves

“…However, large-size harvesters or multi-harvesters are currently required to accomplish practical applications in all prototypes [5]- [7]. In addition, the modification of electric grid parameters is not practical because power utilities set them [21]. Several authors have proposed a discontinuous connection model between the harvester and the load [5], [6], [22]- [24].…”

“…Then, the pulsing operation mode connects the load for a brief time to measure the variables and transmit the data. Another alternative to increase the output power of EFEHs is related to the development of high-efficient management circuits [5], [21], [25], [26].…”

Assessment of Triboelectric Nanogenerators for Electric Field Energy Harvesting

“…To address these challenges, the assumptions made in [ 6 , 28 , 39 ] were adopted, where the authors introduced rectification and storage stages as prerequisites for the proper operation of the energy harvester. According to [ 29 , 40 ], the power density of harvested energy is higher when employing full-wave rectifiers compared to half-wave rectifiers in the electric-field energy harvesting process. Although this behavior could be considered valid for EFEHs, this is not the case for TENGs, where half-wave circuits provide a better performance in terms of collected energy [ 41 ].…”

Energy Harvesting Device for Smart Monitoring of MV Overhead Power Lines—Theoretical Concept and Experimental Construction

“…If we compare possible energy gains from MFEH and EFEH for the same type of overhead power line, the MFEH can provide much more energy output. On the other hand, EFEH is much more reliable in the long term [16]. The only situations in which the EFEH principle fails are during a short circuit event or maintenance (i.e., the power line is offline).…”