Power enhancement of vibration energy harvesters by way of magnetic flux gradient analysis of electromagnetic induction

Abstract

This study proposes strategies to enhance the conversion of mechanical energy to electrical energy in cylindrical electromagnetic induction-type vibration energy harvesters (VEH) using disc or ring-shaped magnets and ring-shaped coils. The rationale behind these strategies has been substantiated by an analysis of magnetic flux gradients based on simulations. In particular, the utilization of a repulsive magnet pair and a yoke has been proposed to maximize the magnetic flux gradient at the coil winding position by manipulating the magnetic flux path. Simulation results confirm that the use of a yoke can produce a nearly 5.8-fold increase in power consumption at the external load. Additionally, the study demonstrates that the positioning and thickness settings of the coil are critical for improving the electrical output based on the spatial distribution of the magnetic flux gradient. Within the same magnet topology, points where power generation is not feasible due to a zero magnetic flux gradient are identified, besides a nearly 5.3-fold increase in observed power generation depending on coil placement. Given the structural feasibility of VEH implementation, a design for a moving magnet VEH utilizing ring magnets with a yoke enclosure is proposed, demonstrating that it can generate power at nearly 85% of the level attributed to using disc magnets.