Advanced Energy Scavenging System for Condition-Based Maintenance

RLW and Rockwell Automation propose to develop and demonstrate an adaptable, power scavenging device able to generate a minimum of 5mW of power and store 5J of energy. All viable energy sources and transduction methodologies for the CBM environment will beevaluated. Three will be built to scavenge mechanical energy using piezo-electric technology, mechanical energy using magnet and coil generation, and visible light using photovoltaic cells. The device will adapt to diverse energy sources and operatingconditions and be scaleable to larger power and energy levels. Demonstration will occur in the Phase I Option period to explore the limits of power generation potential as a function of operating environment. A substantial portion of the effort will gotoward establishing viable application scenarios for the application of CBM2 using self-powered wireless smart sensors and the results of analyzing those scenarios will inform the design and scaling concepts. CBM2 enabled by truly wireless smart sensorshas extensive applicability to all branches of the services and all industries. RLW envisions broad commercial appeal when the technology proposed matures into product matched with our ongoing smart wireless sensor development.