Exploring coupled electromechanical non-linearities for broadband energy harvesting from low-frequency rotational sources
File(s)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Fu, Hailing
Zhou, Shengxi
Yeatman, Eric
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
This paper presents a methodology to effectively harness low-frequency broadband rotational energy using coupled electromechanical non-linearities. This design integrates bi-stability and a synchronized switch harvesting on inductor (SSHI) circuit into a frequency up-converting harvester. The bistable behaviour enables improved output power due to the increased vibration amplitude under the same input plucking force. The SSHI circuit exhibits enhanced conversion capability, contributing higher electrical damping which is ideal for frequency up-converting harvesters to alleviate output fluctuation at high frequencies. To study the coupled non-linear dynamics from both the mechanical (bi-stability) and electrical (SSHI) sides, a system-level theoretical model is, for the first time, established and numerically solved using Matlab/Simulink. System behaviours, which would not be able to obtain using circuit simulation methods, are studied for different operating frequencies and load resistances. To validate the theoretical analysis, this harvester was implemented and tested experimentally. A close match was obtained. From the experimental results, an enhanced output power (up to 525%), over a broad frequency range, was realized, compared to that of a harvester with neither bi-stability nor SSHI circuits.
Date Issued
2019-05-20
Date Acceptance
2019-04-11
Citation
Smart Materials and Structures, 2019, 28 (7)
ISSN
0964-1726
Publisher
IOP Publishing
Journal / Book Title
Smart Materials and Structures
Volume
28
Issue
7
Copyright Statement
© 2019 IOP Publishing Ltd. This is an author-created, un-copyedited version of an article accepted for publication in Smart Materials and Structures. IOP Publishing Ltd is not responsible for any errors or omissions in this version of the manuscript or any version derived from it. The definitive publisher authenticated version is available online at https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1361-665X/ab1931
Identifier
http://iopscience.iop.org/10.1088/1361-665X/ab1931
Subjects
Materials
03 Chemical Sciences
09 Engineering
Publication Status
Published
Date Publish Online
2019-04-15