Vibration Power Harvesting for Wireless Sensors
KCF Technologies is developing vibration energy harvesting devices to power wireless sensor nodes. The device scavenges vibration energy from a host structure, eliminating battery replacement for industrial sensors. The end product will expand the use of wireless sensors, which will in turn reduce industrial pollution, make systems more environmentally friendly, reduce industrial energy consumption and save money.
Applications:
- Wireless sensor networks
- Low-cost health monitoring
- U.S. industrial production lines
- Cars, tires and buildings
- Power generation systems
Features
- Size, shape and connectivity are compatible with existing wireless sensor platforms
- Electrical output is customized to meet the requirements of a specific application
- Battery can be eliminated for many applications with an alternative continuous energy storage
- Output power is scalable with the device size and the square of the vibration velocity (appropriate metric)
Performance Highlights
- Impedance optimized for maximum coupling from vibration to stored electrical energy
- Designed for low cost manufacturability
- Structurally isolated for durability
- Device incorporates proprietary energy scavenging circuit developed by Penn State University
- Active energy harvesting achieves up to 4x the output of “standard” rectified performance
Optimal design achieves impedance matching and maximum power harvesting in the smallest possible package