Magnetic Energy Harvesting System for Unattended Sensor Networks

The necessity of Unattended Sensor Networks (USNs) for improving the communication and control over complex network systems is growing. For example, the Army uses USNs to modernize its Network Command, Control, Communications and Intelligence infastructure. Unfortunateluy, USNs are currently limited by battery technology; batteries are either insufficient for sustaining a sensor for a long period of time or are too large and heavy, inhibiting the placement of sensors within a USN. Other solutions such as Wifi energy harvesting and solar panels are limited in their application use: Wifi energy harvesting is only available indoors, and solar panels are susceptable to poor weather conditions. The goal of this proposal is to develop an Energy Harvesting System (EHS) using an advanced magnetics design coupled with a novel low-loss circuit to harvest magnetic energy radiated from power lines and other energized conductors. The EHS is a rugged, drop-and-go, military ready device that allows the Army to select between a 3.3V and 5V output to power a variety of complex sensors. Once the sensor is plugged in, the system will begin harvesting energy without any additional setup.