An electromagnetic micro power generator for low-frequency environmental vibrations

Kulah H., Najafi K.

17th IEEE International Conference on Micro Electro Mechanical Systems, Maastricht, Netherlands, 25 - 29 January 2004, pp.237-240 identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Conference Paper / Full Text
  • Volume:
  • Doi Number: 10.1109/mems.2004.1290566
  • City: Maastricht
  • Country: Netherlands
  • Page Numbers: pp.237-240
  • Middle East Technical University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This paper presents an electromagnetic (EM) vibrationto-electrical power generator which can efficiently scavenge energy from low-frequency external vibrations. The reported generator up-converts low-frequency environmental vibrations to a much higher frequency through a novel electro-mechanical frequency up-converter using a magnet, and hence provides efficient energy conversion even at low frequencies. Power is generated by means of electromagnetic induction using a magnet and coils on top of resonating cantilever beams. The expected maximum power from a single cantilever is 2.5muW in vacuum. The proposed system has been tested in milliscale and the frequency up-conversion technique has been verified.