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14 pages, 3988 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study of an Energy-Harvesting Damper Based on Magnetic Interaction

by Susana Aberturas, Antonio Hernando, José Luis Olazagoitia and Miguel Ángel García

Sensors 2022, 22(20), 7865; https://doi.org/10.3390/s22207865 - 16 Oct 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1540

Abstract

The saving and re-use of energy has acquired great relevance in recent years, being of great importance in the automotive sector. In the literature, it is possible to find different proposals for energy-harvesting damper systems (EHSA)—the electromagnetic damper being a highly recurrent but [...] Read more.

The saving and re-use of energy has acquired great relevance in recent years, being of great importance in the automotive sector. In the literature, it is possible to find different proposals for energy-harvesting damper systems (EHSA)—the electromagnetic damper being a highly recurrent but still poorly defined proposal. This article specifically focuses on studying the concept and feasibility of an electromagnetic suspension system that is capable of recovering energy, using a damper formed by permanent magnets and a system of coils that collect the electromotive force generated by the variation of the magnetic field. To study the feasibility of the system, it is necessary to know the maximum energy that can be recovered through the winding system; however, the difficulties in obtaining the derivative of the magnetic flux and its derivative for each position make the analytical method very tedious. This paper presents an experimental method with which to maximize energy recovery by defining the optimum relative position between magnet and coil. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Harvesting Sensors)

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15 pages, 3313 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Functionalization of Internal Resonance in Magnetically Coupled Resonators for Highly Efficient and Wideband Hybrid Vibration Energy Harvesting

by Kaouthar Aouali, Najib Kacem and Noureddine Bouhaddi

Sensors 2022, 22(19), 7657; https://doi.org/10.3390/s22197657 - 09 Oct 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1165

Abstract

The functionalization of internal resonance (IR) is theoretically and experimentally demonstrated on a nonlinear hybrid vibration energy harvester (HVEH) based on piezoelectric (PE) and electromagnetic (EM) transductions. This nonlinear phenomenon is tuned by adjusting the gaps between the moving magnets of the structure, [...] Read more.

The functionalization of internal resonance (IR) is theoretically and experimentally demonstrated on a nonlinear hybrid vibration energy harvester (HVEH) based on piezoelectric (PE) and electromagnetic (EM) transductions. This nonlinear phenomenon is tuned by adjusting the gaps between the moving magnets of the structure, enabling 1:1 and 2:1 IR. The experimental results prove that the activation of 2:1 IR with a realistic excitation amplitude allows the improvement of both the frequency bandwidth (BW) and the harvested power (HP) by

300 %

and

100 %

, respectively compared to the case away from IR. These remarkable results open the way towards a very large scale integration of coupled resonators with simultaneous internal resonances. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Harvesting Sensors)

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22 pages, 7857 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Design of a Highly Efficient Wideband Multi-Frequency Ambient RF Energy Harvester

by Sunanda Roy, Jun-Jiat Tiang, Mardeni Bin Roslee, Md. Tanvir Ahmed, Abbas Z. Kouzani and M. A. Parvez Mahmud

Sensors 2022, 22(2), 424; https://doi.org/10.3390/s22020424 - 06 Jan 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3194

Abstract

For low input radio frequency (RF) power from −35 to 5 dBm, a novel quad-band RF energy harvester (RFEH) with an improved impedance matching network (IMN) is proposed to overcome the poor conversion efficiency and limited RF power range of the ambient environment. [...] Read more.

For low input radio frequency (RF) power from −35 to 5 dBm, a novel quad-band RF energy harvester (RFEH) with an improved impedance matching network (IMN) is proposed to overcome the poor conversion efficiency and limited RF power range of the ambient environment. In this research, an RF spectral survey was performed in the semi-urban region of Malaysia, and using these results, a multi-frequency highly sensitive RF energy harvester was designed to harvest energy from available frequency bands within the 0.8 GHz to 2.6 GHz frequency range. Firstly, a new IMN is implemented to improve the rectifying circuit’s efficiency in ambient conditions. Secondly, a self-complementary log-periodic higher bandwidth antenna is proposed. Finally, the design and manufacture of the proposed RF harvester’s prototype are carried out and tested to realize its output in the desired frequency bands. For an accumulative −15 dBm input RF power that is uniformly universal across the four radio frequency bands, the harvester’s calculated dc rectification efficiency is about 35 percent and reaches 52 percent at −20 dBm. Measurement in an ambient RF setting shows that the proposed harvester is able to harvest dc energy at −20 dBm up to 0.678 V. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Harvesting Sensors)

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28 pages, 18823 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Design and Analysis of In-Pipe Hydro-Turbine for an Optimized Nearly Zero Energy Building

by Muhammad Shahbaz Aziz, Muhammad Adil Khan, Harun Jamil, Faisal Jamil, Alexander Chursin and Do-Hyeun Kim

Sensors 2021, 21(23), 8154; https://doi.org/10.3390/s21238154 - 06 Dec 2021

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4288

Abstract

Pakistan receives Direct Normal Irradiation (DNI) exceeding 2000 kWh/m²/annum on approximately 83% of its land, which is very suitable for photovoltaic production. This energy can be easily utilized in conjunction with other renewable energy resources to meet the energy demands and reduce the [...] Read more.

Pakistan receives Direct Normal Irradiation (DNI) exceeding 2000 kWh/m²/annum on approximately 83% of its land, which is very suitable for photovoltaic production. This energy can be easily utilized in conjunction with other renewable energy resources to meet the energy demands and reduce the carbon footprint of the country. In this research, a hybrid renewable energy solution based on a nearly Zero Energy Building (nZEB) model is proposed for a university facility. The building in consideration has a continuous flow of water through its water delivery vertical pipelines. A horizontal-axis spherical helical turbine is designed in SolidWorks and is analyzed through a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis in ANSYS Fluent 18.1 based on the K-epsilon turbulent model. Results obtained from ANSYS Fluent have shown that a 24 feet vertical channel with a water flow of 0.2309 m³/s and velocity of 12.66 m/s can run the designed hydroelectric turbine, delivering 168 W of mechanical power at 250 r.p.m. Based on the turbine, a hybrid renewable energy system (HRES) comprising photovoltaic and hydroelectric power is modelled and analyzed in HOMER Pro software. Among different architectures, it was found that architecture with hydroelectric and photovoltaic energy provided the best COE of $0.09418. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Harvesting Sensors)

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8 pages, 2210 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Patch-Type Vibration Visualization (PVV) Sensor System Based on Triboelectric Effect

by Sun-Jin Kim, Myeong-Lok Seol, Byun-Young Chung, Dae-Sic Jang, Jong-Hwan Kim and Young-Chul Choi

Sensors 2021, 21(12), 3976; https://doi.org/10.3390/s21123976 - 09 Jun 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2538

Abstract

Self-powered wireless sensor systems have emerged as an important topic for condition monitoring in nuclear power plants. However, commercial wireless sensor systems still cannot be fully self-sustainable due to the high power consumption caused by excessive signal processing in a mini-electronic computing system. [...] Read more.

Self-powered wireless sensor systems have emerged as an important topic for condition monitoring in nuclear power plants. However, commercial wireless sensor systems still cannot be fully self-sustainable due to the high power consumption caused by excessive signal processing in a mini-electronic computing system. In this sense, it is essential not only to integrate the sensor system with energy-harvesting devices but also to develop simple data processing methods for low power schemes. In this paper, we report a patch-type vibration visualization (PVV) sensor system based on the triboelectric effect and a visualization technique for self-sustainable operation. The PVV sensor system composed of a polyethylene terephthalate (PET)/Al/LCD screen directly converts the triboelectric signal into an informative black pattern on the LCD screen without excessive signal processing, enabling extremely low power operation. In addition, a proposed image processing method reconverts the black patterns to frequency and acceleration values through a remote-control camera. With these simple signal-to-pattern conversion and pattern-to-data reconversion techniques, a vibration visualization sensor network has successfully been demonstrated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Harvesting Sensors)

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13 pages, 2005 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Instantaneous Self-Powered Sensing System Based on Planar-Structured Rotary Triboelectric Nanogenerator

by Shuangyang Kuang, Xiaochen Suo, Peiyi Song and Jianjun Luo

Sensors 2021, 21(11), 3741; https://doi.org/10.3390/s21113741 - 28 May 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2775

Abstract

Self-powering electronics by harvesting mechanical energy has been widely studied, but most self-powering processes require a long time in the energy harvesting procedure, resulting in low efficiency or even system failure in some specific applications such as instantaneous sensor signal acquisition and transmission. [...] Read more.

Self-powering electronics by harvesting mechanical energy has been widely studied, but most self-powering processes require a long time in the energy harvesting procedure, resulting in low efficiency or even system failure in some specific applications such as instantaneous sensor signal acquisition and transmission. In order to achieve efficient self-powered sensing, we design and construct an instantaneous self-powered sensing system, which puts heavy requirements on generator’s power and power management circuit. Theoretical analysis and experimental results over two types of generators prove that the planar-structured rotary triboelectric nanogenerator possesses many advantages over electromagnetic generator for the circumstances of instantaneous self-powering. In addition, an instantaneous driving mode power management circuit is also introduced showing advanced performance for the instantaneous self-powering sensing system. As a proof-of-concept, an integrated instantaneous self-powered sensing system is demonstrated based on Radio-Frequency transmission. This work demonstrates the potential of instantaneous self-powered sensing systems to be used in a wide range of applications such as smart home, environment monitoring, and security surveillance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Harvesting Sensors)

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12 pages, 6421 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Piezoelectric Impact Energy Harvester Based on the Composite Spherical Particle Chain for Self-Powered Sensors

by Shuo Yang, Bin Wu, Xiucheng Liu, Mingzhi Li, Heying Wang and Cunfu He

Sensors 2021, 21(9), 3151; https://doi.org/10.3390/s21093151 - 01 May 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1776

Abstract

In this study, a novel piezoelectric energy harvester (PEH) based on the array composite spherical particle chain was constructed and explored in detail through simulation and experimental verification. The power test of the PEH based on array composite particle chains in the self-powered [...] Read more.

In this study, a novel piezoelectric energy harvester (PEH) based on the array composite spherical particle chain was constructed and explored in detail through simulation and experimental verification. The power test of the PEH based on array composite particle chains in the self-powered system was realized. Firstly, the model of PEH based on the composite spherical particle chain was constructed to theoretically realize the collection, transformation, and storage of impact energy, and the advantages of a composite particle chain in the field of piezoelectric energy harvesting were verified. Secondly, an experimental system was established to test the performance of the PEH, including the stability of the system under a continuous impact load, the power adjustment under different resistances, and the influence of the number of particle chains on the energy harvesting efficiency. Finally, a self-powered supply system was established with the PEH composed of three composite particle chains to realize the power supply of the microelectronic components. This paper presents a method of collecting impact energy based on particle chain structure, and lays an experimental foundation for the application of a composite particle chain in the field of piezoelectric energy harvesting. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Harvesting Sensors)

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15 pages, 2360 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Load Resistance Optimization of a Magnetically Coupled Two-Degree-of-Freedom Bistable Energy Harvester Considering Third-Harmonic Distortion in Forced Oscillation

by Jinhong Noh, Pilkee Kim and Yong-Jin Yoon

Sensors 2021, 21(8), 2668; https://doi.org/10.3390/s21082668 - 10 Apr 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2532

Abstract

In this study, the external load resistance of a magnetically coupled two-degree-of-freedom bistable energy harvester (2-DOF MCBEH) was optimized to maximize the harvested power output, considering the third-harmonic distortion in forced response. First, the nonlinear dynamic analysis was performed to investigate the characteristics [...] Read more.

In this study, the external load resistance of a magnetically coupled two-degree-of-freedom bistable energy harvester (2-DOF MCBEH) was optimized to maximize the harvested power output, considering the third-harmonic distortion in forced response. First, the nonlinear dynamic analysis was performed to investigate the characteristics of the large-amplitude interwell motions of the 2-DOF MCBEH. From the analysis results, it was found that the third-harmonic distortion occurs in the interwell motion of the 2-DOF MCBEH system due to the nonlinear magnetic coupling between the beams. Thus, in this study, the third-harmonic distortion was considered in the optimization process of the external load resistance of the 2-DOF MCBEH, which is different from the process of conventional impedance matching techniques suitable for linear systems. The optimal load resistances were estimated for harmonic and swept-sine excitations by using the proposed method, and all the results of the power outputs were in excellent agreements with the numerically optimized results. Furthermore, the associated power outputs were compared with the power outputs obtained by using the conventional impedance matching technique. The results of the power outputs are discussed in terms of the improvement in energy harvesting performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Harvesting Sensors)

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19 pages, 6971 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of a Non-Linear Bi-Directional Vortex-Induced Piezoelectric Energy Harvester with Magnetic Interaction

by Wei-Jiun Su and Zong-Siang Wang

Sensors 2021, 21(7), 2299; https://doi.org/10.3390/s21072299 - 25 Mar 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2636

Abstract

In this study, magnetic force is introduced to the design of a bi-directional U-shaped piezoelectric energy harvester for vortex-induced vibrations. The theoretical model of the beam structure is derived based on the Euler–Bernoulli beam theory. The vortex-induced vibration and the non-linear magnetic force [...] Read more.

In this study, magnetic force is introduced to the design of a bi-directional U-shaped piezoelectric energy harvester for vortex-induced vibrations. The theoretical model of the beam structure is derived based on the Euler–Bernoulli beam theory. The vortex-induced vibration and the non-linear magnetic force are modeled according to the Rayleigh oscillator and the charge model, respectively. A prototype is fabricated and tested in two orthogonal directions under vortex-induced vibrations in a wind tunnel. Up and down wind-speed sweeps are carried out to investigate the non-linear responses of the harvester. The distance between the magnets and the length of the side beams are adjusted to examine the influence of the magnetic force on the lock-in region and voltage output of the harvester. Overall, the harvester shows strong non-linearity in the horizontal excitations. After adding magnets to the system, significant improvement of the lock-in region and the peak voltage is noticed in the horizontal mode under both up and down sweeps. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Harvesting Sensors)

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21 pages, 5723 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Contact-Mode Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Energy Harvesting from Marine Pipe Vibrations

by Rui Li, He Zhang, Li Wang and Guohua Liu

Sensors 2021, 21(4), 1514; https://doi.org/10.3390/s21041514 - 22 Feb 2021

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 3956

Abstract

Structural health monitoring is of great significance to ensure the safety of marine pipes, while powering the required monitoring sensors remains a problem because the ocean environment is not amenable to the traditional ways of providing an external power supply. However, mechanical energy [...] Read more.

Structural health monitoring is of great significance to ensure the safety of marine pipes, while powering the required monitoring sensors remains a problem because the ocean environment is not amenable to the traditional ways of providing an external power supply. However, mechanical energy due to the vortex-induced vibration of pipelines may be harvested to power those sensors, which is a convenient, economic and environmentally friendly way. We here exploit a contact-separation mode triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) to create an efficient energy harvester to transform the mechanical energy of vibrating pipes into electrical energy. The TENG device is composed of a tribo-pair of dielectric material films that is connected to a mass-spring base to guarantee the contact-separation motions of the tribo-pair. Experimental tests are conducted to demonstrate the output performance and long-term durability of the TENG device by attaching it to a sample pipe. A theoretical model for the energy harvesting system is developed for predicting the electrical output performance of the device. It is established that the normalized output power depends only on two compound variables with all typical factors taken into consideration simultaneously. The simple scale law is useful to reveal the underlying mechanism of the device and can guideline the optimization of the device based on multi-parameters analyses. The results here may provide references for designing contact-mode TENG energy harvesting devices based on the vibration of marine pipes and similar structures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Harvesting Sensors)

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14 pages, 1743 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modeling of a Symmetric Five-Bar Displacement Amplification Compliant Mechanism for Energy Harvesting

by Moataz M. Elsisy, Mustafa H. Arafa, Chahinaz A. Saleh and Yasser H. Anis

Sensors 2021, 21(4), 1095; https://doi.org/10.3390/s21041095 - 05 Feb 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2310

Abstract

This paper presents an analytical model to determine a closed form mathematical representation for the output displacement of a displacement amplification compliant mechanism used for energy harvesting. A symmetric five-bar compliant mechanism with right-circular and corner-filleted flexure hinges was mathematically modeled and its [...] Read more.

This paper presents an analytical model to determine a closed form mathematical representation for the output displacement of a displacement amplification compliant mechanism used for energy harvesting. A symmetric five-bar compliant mechanism with right-circular and corner-filleted flexure hinges was mathematically modeled and its displacement was determined using the Castigliano energy theorem. The stresses within the flexure joints, the weakest points in the mechanism body, were calculated. The mathematical model expresses both the displacement amplification and the stresses as functions of the design parameters and the load caused by the harvester. The developed model can be used to optimize the mechanism dimensions for maximum harvested power, while minimizing its structural stresses. The mechanism was also modeled numerically using finite element methods; both the analytical and numerical models were verified experimentally. The mathematical model of the mechanism was integrated with a model representing a piezoelectric energy harvester to calculate the open-circuit voltage. As a proof of concept, experiments were performed using an unimorph piezoelectric cantilever at low-frequency (less than 1 Hz) harmonic excitation inputs. The measured open-circuit voltage was found to be in agreement with that calculated using the proposed model, when integrated with the model representing the piezoelectric beam. The power generated by the piezoelectric harvester, equipped with the proposed displacement amplification mechanism, was more than a hundred times that without amplification. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Harvesting Sensors)

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18 pages, 4637 KiB

Open AccessArticle

RF-Powered Low-Energy Sensor Nodes for Predictive Maintenance in Electromagnetically Harsh Industrial Environments

by Giacomo Paolini, Marco Guermandi, Diego Masotti, Mazen Shanawani, Francesca Benassi, Luca Benini and Alessandra Costanzo

Sensors 2021, 21(2), 386; https://doi.org/10.3390/s21020386 - 08 Jan 2021

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 2697

Abstract

This work describes the design, implementation, and validation of a wireless sensor network for predictive maintenance and remote monitoring in metal-rich, electromagnetically harsh environments. Energy is provided wirelessly at 2.45 GHz employing a system of three co-located active antennas designed with a conformal [...] Read more.

This work describes the design, implementation, and validation of a wireless sensor network for predictive maintenance and remote monitoring in metal-rich, electromagnetically harsh environments. Energy is provided wirelessly at 2.45 GHz employing a system of three co-located active antennas designed with a conformal shape such that it can power, on-demand, sensor nodes located in non-line-of-sight (NLOS) and difficult-to-reach positions. This allows for eliminating the periodic battery replacement of the customized sensor nodes, which are designed to be compact, low-power, and robust. A measurement campaign has been conducted in a real scenario, i.e., the engine compartment of a car, assuming the exploitation of the system in the automotive field. Our work demonstrates that a one radio-frequency (RF) source (illuminator) with a maximum effective isotropic radiated power (EIRP) of 27 dBm is capable of transferring the energy of 4.8 mJ required to fully charge the sensor node in less than 170 s, in the worst case of 112-cm distance between illuminator and node (NLOS). We also show how, in the worst case, the transferred power allows the node to operate every 60 s, where operation includes sampling accelerometer data for 1 s, extracting statistical information, transmitting a 20-byte payload, and receiving a 3-byte acknowledgment using the extremely robust Long Range (LoRa) communication technology. The energy requirement for an active cycle is between 1.45 and 1.65 mJ, while sleep mode current consumption is less than 150 nA, allowing for achieving the targeted battery-free operation with duty cycles as high as 1.7%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Harvesting Sensors)

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13 pages, 4842 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A New Approach for Impedance Tracking of Piezoelectric Vibration Energy Harvesters Based on a Zeta Converter

by Antonino Quattrocchi, Roberto Montanini, Salvatore De Caro, Saverio Panarello, Tommaso Scimone, Salvatore Foti and Antonio Testa

Sensors 2020, 20(20), 5862; https://doi.org/10.3390/s20205862 - 16 Oct 2020

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 2290

Abstract

Piezoelectric energy harvesters (PEHs) are a reduced, but fundamental, source of power for embedded, remote, and no-grid connected electrical systems. Some key limits, such as low power density, poor conversion efficiency, high internal impedance, and AC output, can be partially overcome by matching [...] Read more.

Piezoelectric energy harvesters (PEHs) are a reduced, but fundamental, source of power for embedded, remote, and no-grid connected electrical systems. Some key limits, such as low power density, poor conversion efficiency, high internal impedance, and AC output, can be partially overcome by matching their internal electrical impedance to that of the applied resistance load. However, the applied resistance load can vary significantly in time, since it depends on the vibration frequency and the working temperature. Hence, a real-time tracking of the applied impedance load should be done to always harvest the maximum energy from the PEH. This paper faces the above problem by presenting an active control able to track and follow in time the optimal working point of a PEH. It exploits a non-conventional AC–DC converter, which integrates a single-stage DC–DC Zeta converter and a full-bridge active rectifier, controlled by a dedicated algorithm based on pulse-width modulation (PWM) with maximum power point tracking (MPPT). A prototype of the proposed converter, based on discrete components, was created and experimentally tested by applying a sudden variation of the resistance load, aimed to emulate a change in the excitation frequency from 30 to 70 Hz and a change in the operating temperature from 25 to 50 °C. Results showed the effectiveness of the proposed approach, which allowed to match the optimal load after 0.38 s for a ΔR of 47 kΩ and after 0.15 s for a ΔR of 18 kΩ. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Harvesting Sensors)

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13 pages, 2508 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Improved Multilayered (Bi,Sc)O₃-(Pb,Ti)O₃ Piezoelectric Energy Harvesters Based on Impedance Matching Technique

by Bo Su Kim, Jae-Hoon Ji, Hong-Tae Kim, Sung-Jin Kim and Jung-Hyuk Koh

Sensors 2020, 20(7), 1958; https://doi.org/10.3390/s20071958 - 31 Mar 2020

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2609

Abstract

As a piezoelectric material, (Bi,Sc)O₃-(Pb,Ti)O₃ ceramics have been tested and analyzed for sensors and energy harvester applications owing to their relatively high Curie temperature and high piezoelectric coefficient. In this work, we prepared optimized (Bi,Sc)O₃-(Pb,Ti)O₃ piezoelectric materials [...] Read more.

As a piezoelectric material, (Bi,Sc)O₃-(Pb,Ti)O₃ ceramics have been tested and analyzed for sensors and energy harvester applications owing to their relatively high Curie temperature and high piezoelectric coefficient. In this work, we prepared optimized (Bi,Sc)O₃-(Pb,Ti)O₃ piezoelectric materials through the conventional ceramic process. To increase the output energy, a multilayered structure was proposed and designed, and to obtain the maximum output energy, impedance matching techniques were considered and tested. By varying and measuring the energy harvesting system, we confirmed that the output energies were optimized by varying the load resistance. As the load resistance increased, the output voltage became saturated. Then, we calculated the optimized output power using the electric energy formula. Consequently, we identified the highest output energy of 5.93 µW/cm² at 3 MΩ for the quadruple-layer harvester and load resistor using the impedance matching system. We characterized and improved the electrical properties of the piezoelectric energy harvesters by introducing impedance matching and performing the modeling of the energy harvesting component. Modeling was conducted for the piezoelectric generator component by introducing the mechanical force dependent voltage sources and load resistors and piezoelectric capacitor connected in parallel. Moreover, the generated output voltages were simulated by introducing an impedance matching technique. This work is designed to explain the modeling of piezoelectric energy harvesters. In this model, the relationship between applied mechanical force and output energy was discussed by employing experimental results and simulation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Harvesting Sensors)

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16 pages, 4682 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Theoretical and Experimental Investigations of a Pseudo-Magnetic Levitation System for Energy Harvesting

by Krzysztof Kecik and Andrzej Mitura

Sensors 2020, 20(6), 1623; https://doi.org/10.3390/s20061623 - 14 Mar 2020

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4147

Abstract

The paper presents an analytical, numerical and experimental analysis of the special designed system for energy harvesting. The harvester system consists of two identical magnets rigidly mounted to the tube’s end. Between them, a third magnet is free to magnetically levitate (pseudo-levitate) due [...] Read more.

The paper presents an analytical, numerical and experimental analysis of the special designed system for energy harvesting. The harvester system consists of two identical magnets rigidly mounted to the tube’s end. Between them, a third magnet is free to magnetically levitate (pseudo-levitate) due to the proper magnet polarity. The behaviour of the harvester is significantly complicated by a electromechanical coupling. It causes resonance curves to have a distorted shape and a new solution from which the recovered energy is higher is observed. The Harmonic Balance Method (HBM) is used to approximately describe the response and stability of the mechanical and electrical systems. The analytical results are verified by a numerical path following (continuation) method and experiment test with use of a shaker. The influence of harvester parameters on the system response and energy recovery near a main resonance is studied in detail. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Harvesting Sensors)

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15 pages, 2939 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Tri-Stable Piezoelectric Vibration Energy Harvester for Composite Shape Beam: Nonlinear Modeling and Analysis

by Xuhui Zhang, Meng Zuo, Wenjuan Yang and Xiang Wan

Sensors 2020, 20(5), 1370; https://doi.org/10.3390/s20051370 - 02 Mar 2020

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3078

Abstract

To reveal the nonlinear mechanism of the tri-stable piezoelectric vibration energy harvester based on composite shape beam (TPEH-C) and its influence on the system response, the nonlinear restoring force and the nonlinear magnetic force are discussed and analyzed in this paper. The nonlinear [...] Read more.

To reveal the nonlinear mechanism of the tri-stable piezoelectric vibration energy harvester based on composite shape beam (TPEH-C) and its influence on the system response, the nonlinear restoring force and the nonlinear magnetic force are discussed and analyzed in this paper. The nonlinear magnetic model is acquired by using equivalent magnetizing current theory, and the nonlinear resilience model is obtained by fitting experimental data. The corresponding distributed parameter model based on generalized Hamiltonian variation principle has been established. Frequency response functions for the TPEH-C are derived according to harmonic balance expansion, and the influence of different magnet distances and different excitation accelerations on the response amplitude and bandwidth of the TPEH-C are investigated. More importantly, the correctness of the theoretical analysis is verified by experiments. The results reveal that the spectrum of composite beam shows hard characteristic and the depth of potential well is changed, which provides a new way to ameliorate the potential well of the TPEH-C. A suitable magnet distance enables the TPEH-C to improve the response amplitude and the effective frequency range. The results in this paper have a theoretical guiding significance for the optimal design and engineering application of the TPEH-C. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Harvesting Sensors)

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12 pages, 4012 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of a Cantilevered Piezoelectric Energy Harvester in Different Orientations for Rotational Motion

by Wei-Jiun Su, Jia-Han Lin and Wei-Chang Li

Sensors 2020, 20(4), 1206; https://doi.org/10.3390/s20041206 - 22 Feb 2020

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 3726

Abstract

This paper investigates a piezoelectric energy harvester that consists of a piezoelectric cantilever and a tip mass for horizontal rotational motion. Rotational motion results in centrifugal force, which causes the axial load on the beam and alters the resonant frequency of the system. [...] Read more.

This paper investigates a piezoelectric energy harvester that consists of a piezoelectric cantilever and a tip mass for horizontal rotational motion. Rotational motion results in centrifugal force, which causes the axial load on the beam and alters the resonant frequency of the system. The piezoelectric energy harvester is installed on a rotational hub in three orientations—inward, outward, and tilted configurations—to examine their influence on the performance of the harvester. The theoretical model of the piezoelectric energy harvester is developed to explain the dynamics of the system and experiments are conducted to validate the model. Theoretical and experimental studies are presented with various tilt angles and distances between the harvester and the rotating center. The results show that the installation distance and the tilt angle can be used to adjust the resonant frequency of the system to match the excitation frequency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Harvesting Sensors)

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Review

Jump to: Research, Other

27 pages, 12700 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Systematic Review of Piezoelectric Materials and Energy Harvesters for Industrial Applications

by Abdul Aabid, Md Abdul Raheman, Yasser E. Ibrahim, Asraar Anjum, Meftah Hrairi, Bisma Parveez, Nagma Parveen and Jalal Mohammed Zayan

Sensors 2021, 21(12), 4145; https://doi.org/10.3390/s21124145 - 16 Jun 2021

Cited by 67 | Viewed by 13405

Abstract

In the last three decades, smart materials have become popular. The piezoelectric materials have shown key characteristics for engineering applications, such as in sensors and actuators for industrial use. Because of their excellent mechanical-to-electrical and vice versa energy conversion properties, piezoelectric materials with [...] Read more.

In the last three decades, smart materials have become popular. The piezoelectric materials have shown key characteristics for engineering applications, such as in sensors and actuators for industrial use. Because of their excellent mechanical-to-electrical and vice versa energy conversion properties, piezoelectric materials with high piezoelectric charge and voltage coefficient have been tested in renewable energy applications. The fundamental component of the energy harvester is the piezoelectric material, which, when subjected to mechanical vibrations or applied stress, induces the displaced ions in the material and results in a net electric charge due to the dipole moment of the unit cell. This phenomenon builds an electric potential across the material. In this review article, a detailed study focused on the piezoelectric energy harvesters (PEH’s) is reported. In addition, the fundamental idea about piezoelectric materials, along with their modeling for various applications, are detailed systematically. Then a summary of previous studies based on PEH’s other applications is listed, considering the technical aspects and methodologies. A discussion has been provided as a critical review of current challenges in this field. As a result, this review can provide a guideline for the scholars who want to use PEH’s for their research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Harvesting Sensors)

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25 pages, 3480 KiB

Open AccessReview

Energy-Aware System Design for Autonomous Wireless Sensor Nodes: A Comprehensive Review

by Olfa Kanoun, Sonia Bradai, Sabrine Khriji, Ghada Bouattour, Dhouha El Houssaini, Meriam Ben Ammar, Slim Naifar, Ayda Bouhamed, Faouzi Derbel and Christian Viehweger

Sensors 2021, 21(2), 548; https://doi.org/10.3390/s21020548 - 14 Jan 2021

Cited by 78 | Viewed by 7754

Abstract

Nowadays, wireless sensor networks are becoming increasingly important in several sectors including industry, transportation, environment and medicine. This trend is reinforced by the spread of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies in almost all sectors. Autonomous energy supply is thereby an essential aspect as [...] Read more.

Nowadays, wireless sensor networks are becoming increasingly important in several sectors including industry, transportation, environment and medicine. This trend is reinforced by the spread of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies in almost all sectors. Autonomous energy supply is thereby an essential aspect as it decides the flexible positioning and easy maintenance, which are decisive for the acceptance of this technology, its wide use and sustainability. Significant improvements made in the last years have shown interesting possibilities for realizing energy-aware wireless sensor nodes (WSNs) by designing manifold and highly efficient energy converters and reducing energy consumption of hardware, software and communication protocols. Using only a few of these techniques or focusing on only one aspect is not sufficient to realize practicable and market relevant solutions. This paper therefore provides a comprehensive review on system design for battery-free and energy-aware WSN, making use of ambient energy or wireless energy transmission. It addresses energy supply strategies and gives a deep insight in energy management methods as well as possibilities for energy saving on node and network level. The aim therefore is to provide deep insight into system design and increase awareness of suitable techniques for realizing battery-free and energy-aware wireless sensor nodes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Harvesting Sensors)

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18 pages, 3291 KiB

Open AccessLetter

Fuzzy Controller Applied to a Remote Energy Harvesting Emulation Platform

by Marcelo Miranda Camboim, Juan Moises Maurício Villanueva and Cleonilson Protasio de Souza

Sensors 2020, 20(20), 5874; https://doi.org/10.3390/s20205874 - 17 Oct 2020

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2296

Abstract

In the last decades, a lot of effort has been made in order to improve the use of environmentally friendly and renewable energy sources. In a context of small energy usage, energy harvesting takes place and thermal energy sources are one of its [...] Read more.

In the last decades, a lot of effort has been made in order to improve the use of environmentally friendly and renewable energy sources. In a context of small energy usage, energy harvesting takes place and thermal energy sources are one of its main energy sources because there are several unused heat sources available in the environment that may be used as renewable energy sources. To rapidly evaluate the energy potential of such thermal sources is a hard task, therefore, a way to perform this is welcome. In this work, a thermal pattern emulation system to evaluate potential thermal source in a easy way is proposed. The main characteristics of the proposed system is that it is online and remote, that is, while the thermal-source-under-test is being measured, the system is emulating it and evaluating the generated energy remotely. The main contribution of this work was to replace the conventional Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) controller to a Fuzzy-Proportional Integral (PI) controller. In order to compare both controllers, three tests were carried out, namely: (a) step response, (b) perturbation test, (c) thermal emulation of the thermal pattern obtained from a potential thermal source: tree trucks. Experimental results show that the Fuzzy-PI controller was faster than the PID, achieving a setting time 41.26% faster, and also was more efficient with a maximum error 53% smaller than the PID. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Harvesting Sensors)

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