Design optimization of a linear generator with dual Halbach array for human motion energy harvesting

Abstract

This paper presents a linear generator for human motion energy harvesting using dual Halbach magnet arrays. A novel Halbach array with non-uniform magnet blocks is proposed to enhance the air-gap flux density in the linear generator for a given size and weight of permanent magnet material. Then, the optimization model is constructed with the objective of maximizing the output power of the linear generator. The resulting optimized linear generator with the non-uniform Halbach magnet arrays provides a significant improvement in power density. Comparisons between the proposed linear generator and two different linear generators for human walking motion energy harvesting are provided. The effectiveness of the proposed methods is verified by two-dimensional finite element analysis simulation results.