Maximum and Practical Sustainably Harvestable Vibrational Power From Avian Subjects

Abstract

In this study we investigate the maximum sustainably harvestable vibrational power from a bird for the purpose of creating new long life tracking tags. We develop a model for harvestable power based on known maximum laden mass capabilities of various bird species and a standard power model for bird flight. Both maximum harvestable power and practically harvestable powers are derived. Practically harvestable power was derived assuming a payload mass and a given specific power for the vibrational harvester. Based on these models, data from various species ranging from 2.55 g to 11.6 kg in mass is used to show relationships between harvestable power and mass. Using estimates for a piezoelectric energy harvester specific power, the practically harvestable power ranges from tens of microwatts to hundreds of milliwatts, depending on the species.