Improving Power Output for Vibration-Based Energy Scavengers

Abstract

Small cantilever-based devices are modeled, designed and built, by using piezoelectric materials that can scavenge power from low-level ambient vibration sources. The wireless sensor nodes' power requirements are analyzed. The vibration-based energy scavenging is a viable means of obtaining the small quantities of energy necessary to power wireless sensor nodes. The three approaches are pursued for improving vibration-based energy scavengers. These include frequency tuning, alternative design geometries and developing process to allow microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) implementation and integration with sensors and electronics. Show more