Energy harvesting using linear type magnetostrictive transducer for real-time application

Abstract

Economic and social development of nations across the globe is demanding enormous need for energy and power resources. Energy production using safe and renewable sources can aid in mitigating the release of greenhouse gases and avoiding the devastating climate changes. In the present case, a linear type magnetostrictive transducer device is designed by employing Terfenol-D magnetostrictive rods for renewable energy harvesting application. A linear device was designed with two Terfenol-D rods, three permanent magnets (neodymium magnets), springs, and primary and secondary coils. Terfenol-D rod crystallizes in cubic Laves phase and exhibits the saturation magnetostriction value of 1242 × 10−6 at the field of 2.5 kOe. An equivalent circuit is constructed for the induced magnetic flux in the designed transducer device. Frequency and wave form dependent output voltage is examined in the designed energy harvesting device. A square wave at the applied frequency of 2200 Hz (100 mA current) produces a maximum output voltage of 4.91 V. Sine and triangle waves produce 3.38 and 2.82 V, respectively, at 1700 and 1600 Hz. The induced voltage is sufficient to ignite the light emitting diode. A linear type magnetostrictive transducer can be employed as a potential renewable energy source for real-time application with moderate output voltage.