Power Generation Element Research Articles

Self-powered energy-harvesting magnetic field sensor

Driven largely by the recent growth in the Internet of Things, there is a rapid surge in the demand for low-powered or self-powered sensors and devices. Here, we report a fully self-powered magnetic sensor system based on the magnetoelectric (ME) effect. This device consists of both a field-detection element and a power-generation element, which are designed using magnetostrictive Metglas amorphous ribbons and piezoelectric PMN-PT single crystal plates, respectively. The ME laminates for energy harvesting exhibit a giant resonance magnetic responsivity of 350 nC/Oe at 15 kHz. The magnetic-field sensing element shows a linear response with a high resolution up to 32 nT, and the magnetic-harvest element can reach a power of 48.68 mW/Oe at an optimum load resistance of 5 kΩ. The self-powered sensor system has shown excellent capability to convert magnetic energy into electrical energy, as demonstrated in powering a small electronic screen. The high sensitivity and power generation of our system suggest potential applications in sustainable intelligent sensor networks.

High‐Efficiency Optical Filters Based on Nanophotonics

Nanophotonic structures are artificial optical substances composed of structures smaller than incident light wavelengths. For example, it can artificially create a unique refractive index that is not found in substances in the natural world. That is, by designing the shape of the nanophotonic structure, an optical filter device that exhibits an optical response on demand can be realized. Also, we can realize applied devices with useful functions that cannot be realized by substances existing in nature, such as antireflective surfaces with 0% reflectance, wavelength‐selective filters with 100% reflectance at specific wavelengths, and filters that shift the resonant wavelength in response to changes in the ambient refractive index. There can be applications to high‐brightness light‐emitting elements, high‐efficiency power generation elements, color filters for full‐color high‐resolution cameras, miniature spectroscopic systems, high‐efficiency biosensors, and so on. In the future, the development of further applications with this technology is widely expected in the fields of information, energy and global environment, and medical care and welfare. This paper describes high‐efficiency optical filters based on nanophotonic technologies. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Thin film formation of PEDOT conductive polymer and PVDF piezoelectric polymer by dip‐coating method assuming application to flexible power generation element

AbstractPoly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) conductive polymer and polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) piezoelectric polymer thin films were formed by dip‐coating method. The relationship between drawing speed and film thickness was experimentally investigated. Dip‐coated PEDOT and PVDF thin films were characterized and confirmed that both had surely worked as electrode and piezoelectric film of a flexible power generation element, respectively. Using dip‐coating method, these thin films were successfully formed on 3D surface of a bellows shaped spring made of silicone rubber.

Communication Requirements in Microgrids: A Practical Survey

Progress in Microgrid (MG) research has evolved the MG concept from classical, purely MG power networks to more advanced power and communications networks. The communications infrastructure helps control and manage the unreliable power outputs that most standard power generation elements of the MG (e.g., wind turbines and photo-voltaic panels) deliver. Although communication technologies do offer certain advantages for sensing and control, they generate other complications due to packet loss and packet latency, among other transmission impairments. In this work, we discuss the impact of communications on MG performance, establishing the requirements of data exchanges and system response in the three levels of a hierarchical control approach: primary, secondary, and tertiary. With a focus on the secondary level — responsible for ensuring the restoration of electrical parameters — we identify standards, networking protocols, and communication technologies relevant for the interoperability of MGs and clusters of MGs, including both modes of operation: isolated and grid-connected. We review theoretical approaches and practical implementations that consider the effects of the communications network on the general performance of the MG. Moreover, we undertake an experimental analysis of the influence of wired and wireless communication networks on MG performance, revealing the importance of designing future smart control solutions more robust to communication degradation, especially if wireless technologies are integrated to provide scalable deployments. Aspects such as resilience, security, and interoperability are also shown to require continuing efforts in research and practical applications.

Thin Film Formation of PEDOT Conductive Polymer and PVDF Piezoelectric Polymer by Dip-coating Method Assuming Application to Flexible Power Generation Element

Thin Film Formation of PEDOT Conductive Polymer and PVDF Piezoelectric Polymer by Dip-coating Method Assuming Application to Flexible Power Generation Element

Synthesis and Characterization of Some Useful Thermoelectric Materials

This paper aims to introduce the synthesis and characterization of some useful thermo electric pellets in order to determine their ability to convert waste heat into electricity. The thermo electric pellets of Bi2Pb3, Bi2Te3 and Pb2Te3 in cylindrical dimensions are prepared by 15 mm mixture of different compositions. The research work explores the facts that how such kind of the semiconducting materials can be utilized as thermo-electric power generation elements. The performance of these pellets analyzed not only in the normal mode but also under the effect of electric and magnetic fields, which can exist already or applied in the condition of their operation. Thermo-emf generation is carried out in the normal mode and under the influence of applied electric and magnetic fields of different magnitudes in the temperature range of 190 °C. Hence, the paper is an outlet of the waste heat utilization with the influence of electric or magnetic field towards their conversion of waste heat into electricity by special sized thermoelectric pellets and the suitable chemical method of their preparation.

Novel concept of renewables association with synchronous generation for enhancing the provision of ancillary services

Renewable energy sources are foreseen as a provider of full range of ancillary services. An innovative concept of alignment between renewable power generation elements and synchronous generators is proposed: Renewables Association with Synchronous generators (RAS). It mitigates the dependence on direct frequency measurements, which are prone to noise and lack of accuracy, and enables perfect coordination between the responses of renewable and conventional power plants. RAS relies on a leader synchronous generator, connected at the point of common coupling of the renewable power plant or close to it. This synchronous generator is able to provide ancillary services (e.g. frequency support and reactive compensation). The renewable power plant is controlled to provide such services similar to the leader synchronous generator, but scaled down/up to match the rating of the renewable power plant by integrating supplementary controllers that are associated with the synchronous generator response. Two approaches are proposed to provide voltage support, besides a supplementary frequency support controller. These RAS-based voltage and frequency support methods are compared to other methods proposed in the literature. Results show the positive impact of RAS concept on the provision of active power and reactive compensation to tackle frequency and voltage events respectively, following the response of the leader synchronous generator. DIgSILENT PowerFactory is the applied simulation environment.

10202 積層PZT発電素子のスイッチング回路への適用性の評価

10202 積層PZT発電素子のスイッチング回路への適用性の評価

Synthesis and Characterization of p-Type Pb0.5Sn0.5Te Thermoelectric Power Generation Elements by Mechanical Alloying

A mechanical alloying (MA) process to transform elemental powders into solid Pb0.5Sn0.5Te with thermoelectric functionality comparable to melt-alloyed material is described. The room-temperature doping level and mobility as well as temperature-dependent electrical conductivity, Seebeck coefficient, and thermal conductivity are reported. Estimated values of lattice thermal conductivity (0.7 W m−1 K−1) are lower than some reports of functional melt-alloyed PbSnTe-based material, providing evidence that MA can engender the combination of properties resulting in highly functional thermoelectric material. Though doping level and Sn composition have not been optimized, this material exhibits a ZT value >0.5 at 550 K.

21114 動吸振器を利用した電磁誘導型発電システムに関する研究(情報・知能・精密機器)

Power generation research using a variety of structure and machine vibrations is carried out in various institutions. Simultaneously, research with vibration suppression equipment is also being performed and there are numerous examples being put into practical use. This paper will describe a basic examination to determine the effectiveness of power generation and the attenuation effect when using a vibration power generator in a footbridge dynamic damper. Experiments were carried out with a power generation element to determine the basic characteristics of power generation and vibration using an electromagnetic induction-type power generation element. It was confirmed that voltage generation is almost proportional to velocity and the generated voltage has nearly no frequency dependency, while the effect of attenuation can be achieved by installing a resistor.