Innovative Designs in Vibration Energy Harvesting: Performance Evaluation and Comparative Analysis

Abstract

This paper explores the realm of vibration energy harvesting (VEH) and its potential applications in powering electronic devices. With the increasing demand for constant power supply in various sectors, including medical, transportation, and communication, the drawbacks of traditional battery solutions prompt the exploration of alternative energy sources. Vibration, omnipresent in our environment, presents itself as a promising source of mechanical energy that can be converted into electrical power. This study delves into three distinct VEH designs: a flute-inspired broadband piezoelectric device with mechanical intelligence, an electromagnetic harvester utilizing a magnet-array-based vibration-to-rotation conversion mechanism, and a piezoelectric harvester for ultra-low frequency waves with magnetic coupling driven by rotating balls. Through extensive analysis and experimentation, each design's performance, features, and potential applications are evaluated and compared. While each design offers unique advantages and limitations, understanding their characteristics facilitates identifying suitable scenarios for deployment, thereby advancing the development of self-powered devices.