Design and experimental characterization of an electromagnetic transducer for large-scale vibratory energy harvesting applications
- 21 September 2011
- journal article
- research article
- Published by SAGE Publications in Journal of Intelligent Material Systems and Structures
- Vol. 22 (17), 2009-2024
- https://doi.org/10.1177/1045389x11421824
Abstract
This article reports on the design and experimental characterization of an electromagnetic transducer for energy harvesting from large structures (e.g., multistory buildings and bridges), for which the power levels can be above 100 W and disturbance frequencies below 1 Hz. The transducer consists of a back-driven ballscrew coupled to a permanent-magnet synchronous machine with power harvesting regulated via control of a four-quadrant power electronic drive. Design considerations between various subsystems are illustrated and recommendations in terms of minimal values are made for each design metric. Developing control algorithms to take full advantage of the unique features of this type of transducer requires a mechanical model that can adequately characterize the device’s intrinsic nonlinear behavior. A new model is proposed that can effectively capture this behavior. Comparison with experimental results verifies that the model is accurate over a wide range of operating conditions. As such, the model can be used to assess the viability of the technology and to correctly design controllers to maximize power generation. To demonstrate the device’s energy harvesting capability, impedance matching theory is used to optimize the power generated from a base-excited tuned mass damper. Both theoretical and experimental investigations are compared and the results are shown to match closely.Keywords
This publication has 28 references indexed in Scilit:
- Resistive Impedance Matching Circuit for Piezoelectric Energy HarvestingJournal of Intelligent Material Systems and Structures, 2010
- Self-Powered Magnetorheological DampersJournal of Vibration and Acoustics, 2009
- Buck-Boost Converter for Sensorless Power Optimization of Piezoelectric Energy HarvesterIEEE Transactions on Power Electronics, 2007
- A review of power harvesting using piezoelectric materials (2003–2006)Smart Materials and Structures, 2007
- An electromagnetic, vibration-powered generator for intelligent sensor systemsSensors and Actuators A: Physical, 2003
- Real-Time Substructure Tests Using Hydraulic ActuatorJournal of Engineering Mechanics, 1999
- Self-powered signal processing using vibration-based power generationIEEE Journal of Solid-State Circuits, 1998
- Analysis and testing of Bingham plastic behavior in semi-active electrorheological fluid dampersSmart Materials and Structures, 1996
- Electrorheological Dampers, Part II: Testing and ModelingJournal of Applied Mechanics, 1996
- Dynamic mechanical studies of electrorheological materials: Moderate frequenciesJournal of Rheology, 1991