Development of a Miniature, Vibro-Mechanical Energy Harvester for Powering Wireless Sensors

In the proposed work, we will develop a highly efficient and miniaturized vibration energy harvesting device suitable for use on drive system components of helicopters. The goal is to provide power to run a wireless corrosion hub and sensors (to be developed simultaneously in a separate program). The target power generating capability is 5mW under vibration conditions typical of steady state flight. The size and mass of the system will be miniaturized. Target metrics are 0.0.1mW/gram, and 0.5mW/cc. The harvester will be implemented using our proven strain optimized, resonating cantilever beam with Macro Fiber Composite piezoelectric elements. An integral energy harvesting circuit will be based on one of our two proven circuit designs, our Managed Switching design, or out Capacitive Discharge design. The principle technical challenges will be in minimizing the size and mass of the device while still achieving target power output. This will be achieved by stacking multiple layers of MFC material on the beam, and implementing design features to minimize the beam’s stiffness. Ensuring long term reliable operation in hostile environments is a second technical challenge. We will accomplish this through careful selection of materials, and by incorporating environmental sealing and overload stops into the enclosure design.