Compact Piezoelectric Based Power Generation

Active Devices proposes an innovation for energy harvesting using piezoelectric based approaches to extract energy from mechanical vibrations. This innovation consists of a piezoelectric element for energy transduction, rectifier circuits for extraction, and storage devices to store power for use by other devices. Ideal models predict that a 1" x1" x.010" piezoelectric wafer undergoing moderate vibration should be capable of generating on the order of 10's of milliWatts. This indicates potential for developing a very compact chip sized power supply. The power obtained from vibratory motion can now be used to power sensors and/or provide for RF transmit of information to base receivers. Some possibilities include networks of small embedded self-powered sensors in aircraft and helicopters, battlefield logistics using mechanical vibrations on a bridge to record vehicle crossings, seismic event recording, and health monitoring. The primary objective of this work is to demonstrate the feasibility of piezoelectric based approaches to extract electrical power from mechanical vibrations. Tasks designed to accomplish this include: 1) developing a design methodology for piezoelectric energy harvesting, 2) investigating potential circuit topologies, and 3) validating concepts through an experimental program. This research will establish a design for a prototype device for insertion into a selected military application.