Analytical and experimental studies on a new linear energy harvester

Abstract

A new electromagnetic energy harvester has been designed to generate electricity from mechanical vibrations. The new system operates with two springs attached to two ends of a linear-laminated core and a winding circulated on the core directs the electrical energy to the output. Initially an electromagnetic model has been developed for the Halbach-oriented magnets at the ends of core. That orientation has been used to deviate the magnetic field at the tips of the core unit. Some preliminary studies prove that the output peak voltage U = 0.75 V and maximal peak power P = 14 mW can be achieved experimentally, thereby a power density of p = 0.3684 mW/cm3 is obtained with the new system. The efficiency of that new designed linear harvester reaches 36% at its optimum frequency and electrical load conditions.