Sandwiched electromagnetic energy harvester based on the alternating north- and south-orientation magnet array

Abstract

Vibration mechanical energy may be highly destructive in many scenarios, such as bridges, pipelines, precision instruments and subways. These energies may convert into electrical power to apply not only to power the wireless sensor nodes but also to serve to protect vibrating objects. However, in pipelines complex vibration environments, the mechanical energy harvesting from a single direction is insufficient. In this study, a sandwiched electromagnetic energy harvester is designed with an alternating north- and south-orientation magnet array to convert both horizontal and vertical vibration mechanical energy into electrical power. Experimental results have shown that the device is capable of collecting vibration energy from both horizontal and vertical directions, and the collection of vibration energy from both directions can be performed simultaneously. This innovative energy harvester has the potential to convert pipeline vibration energy from multiple directions into electricity, which can both protect the pipelines and self-power to the detection of pipeline working conditions.