Design methodology for efficient vibration energy harvester based on electromagnetic induction principle

Abstract

Renewable energy harvesting from sustainable sources has gained a great attention in the recent decades. Mechanical vibration produced by pressure can be converted into electrical energy to self-powered low power electronic systems. This study addresses the conversion of vibration to electrical energy employing electromagnetic induction. The energy conversion unit consists of two sections, one movable and other stationary section. The movable section comprises a coil attached to a flexible diaphragm while the stationary section consists of a fixed magnet. The vibration generated by the mechanical waves will cause the diaphragm to vibrate resulting in coil oscillation. This further leads to the generation of an electrical current and voltage in the coil as per the Faraday's law. The proposed work takes a close outlook on developing the corresponding design rules for maximum energy conversion process. The design process starts with the desired conversion efficiency, the source specification along with the electrical requirements. The application-specific requirements approach exhibits a high degree of freedom in the design that enables an optimally adapted design. The dimensions and materials selection is then decided based on the developed design rules and steps.