Applications of Vibration-Based Energy Harvesting (VEH) Devices

Abstract

This chapter reviews present usage of vibration-based energy harvesting (VEH) devices and their applications. The evolution of energy resources and advancement in electronic technologies has resulted in the need for a self-sustainable wireless/portable electronic device in current modern society. Batteries are non-beneficial in the miniaturization process of electronic designing, and alternative power supplies are desperately needed to drive the advance of the wireless/portable development further. VEH has emerged as one of the most promising alternatives to replace conventional batteries and as the solution for the bottleneck. Consideration of creating an optimal vibration energy harvester is suggested through an analytical model of a mechanical transducer, including a relatively new method defined as triboelectricity. Useful applications and usages of VEH are presented, and some suggestions for improvement are also given. Lastly, the trend of energy harvesting is annotated and commented in-line with the demand of electronic sensors market.