Rolling Rod Electrostatic Microgenerator
File(s)09_TIE_Final.pdf (1.23 MB)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Kiziroglou, ME
He, C
Yeatman, EM
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
The difficulty of maximizing the proof mass, and lack of broadband operation, are key issues for miniaturized energy-harvesting devices. Here, a novel electrostatic energy harvester is presented, employing an external free-rolling proof mass to address these issues. A description of the operating principle is given, and the kinetic dynamics of the cylinder are analyzed. The electrostatics of the system are simulated, identifying the device performance for different dielectric dimensions and surface specifications. The fabrication of a prototype device is presented, and physical characterization results demonstrate a successful fabrication technique for dielectric sizes down to 100 nm. Capacitance measurements reveal a capacitance ratio of 4 and are in agreement with simulation results. A voltage gain of 2.4 is demonstrated. The device is suitable for energy harvesting from low-frequency high-amplitude ambient motion sources such as the human body.
Date Issued
2009
Citation
IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics, 2009, 56, pp.1101-1108
ISSN
0278-0046
Start Page
1101
End Page
1108
Journal / Book Title
IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics
Volume
56
Copyright Statement
© 2009 IEEE. 7 IEEE. Personal use of this material is permitted. However, permission to use this material for any other purposes must be obtained from the IEEE by sending a request to pubs-permissions@ieee.org
Notes
Times Cited: 15 The difficulty of maximizing the proof mass, and lack of broadband operation, are key issues for miniaturized energy-harvesting devices. Here, a novel electrostatic energy harvester is presented, employing an external free-rolling proof mass to address these issues. A description of the operating principle is given, and the kinetic dynamics of the cylinder are analyzed. The electrostatics of the system are simulated, identifying the device performance for different dielectric dimensions and surface specifications. The fabrication of a prototype device is presented, and physical characterization results demonstrate a successful fabrication technique for dielectric sizes down to 100 nm. Capacitance measurements reveal a capacitance ratio of 4 and are in agreement with simulation results. A voltage gain of 2.4 is demonstrated. The device is suitable for energy harvesting from low-frequency high-amplitude ambient motion sources such as the human body.