A Parametric Frequency Increased Power Generator for Scavenging Low Frequency Ambient Vibrations

Abstract

This paper presents the design, fabrication, and testing of a miniature electromagnetic inertial power generator for scavenging low-frequency non-periodic vibrations. A bi-stable mechanical structure is used to initiate high-frequency mechanical oscillations in an electromagnetic scavenger. Because of the fixed internal displacement of this architecture, power density is improved and miniaturization can be achieved, while accommodating large amplitude vibrations. The fabricated device generated a peak power of 288μW and an average power of 5.8μW from an input acceleration of 9.8m/s2 at 10Hz. The device operates over a frequency range of 20Hz. The internal volume of the generator is 2.1cm3 (3.7cm3 including casing), half of a standard AA battery.