Evaluation of vibration energy harvesting using a magnetostrictive iron–cobalt/nickel-clad plate

Abstract

The design of miniaturized, long-lasting power supplies for portable internet of things (IoT) equipment has been identified as a critical problem constraining further development of the IoT. A promising methodology is able to resolve the problem by harvesting dissipated energy such as vibration in the environment or in a system to form self-powered microsystems. In this work, the performance of vibration energy harvesting using a magnetostrictive iron–cobalt/nickel (FeCo/Ni)-clad plate cantilever was examined both theoretically and experimentally. The experimental results indicate that the output power of the FeCo/Ni-clad plate cantilever shows significant improvement in comparison to a single FeCo plate, as a result of the inverse magnetostrictive properties of the FeCo and Ni layers in response to tension or compression. Finite element analysis illustrates how the unidirectional and identical magnetic induction in the upper and lower sides (i.e. the FeCo and Ni layers) gives rise to this enhanced output. The analysis also demonstrates the cancellation of the positive and negative magnetic induction within the interior of the single FeCo plate. This study not only provides insights into the magnetic features of a FeCo/Ni-clad plate but also proposes a feasible method for realizing industrial applications.