High-efficiency vibration energy harvester and sensor

Ferro Solutions will demonstrate a self powered system for vibration monitoring of rotating machine parts (propulsion rotating components.). A significant challenge of harvesting vibrations in such machines is that the harvester proof mass must be relatively free to move in response to unwanted vibrations, but it should not be pinned or damaged by the large centrifugal forces. We propose a modification of our prior vibration energy harvester that meets these constraints. It is suitable for integration in a rotor blade and is capable of powering an array of strain gauges or accelerometers as well as a wireless transmitter. The system includes integrated electronics for rectification, regulation and storage of the harvested power.