Journal article

A piezoelectric frequency up-converting energy harvester with rotating proof mass for human body applications

Pit Pillatsch, Eric M Yeatman, Andrew S Holmes

SENSORS AND ACTUATORS A-PHYSICAL | ELSEVIER SCIENCE SA | Published : 2014

Abstract

Energy harvesting from human motion faces the challenges of low frequency and random excitation. One strategy that has been successful in the past is frequency up-conversion. This paper introduces an inertial device that combines this principle, in the form of piezoelectric beam plucking through magnetic coupling with a rotating proof mass. The advantages rotational systems can have for body movements are discussed. The prototype is described and tested in a real world environment during a running race and later on in a laboratory environment on a custom built linear excitation table. Throughout these tests it is confirmed that such a device can operate over a broad range of frequencies and ..

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University of Melbourne Researchers

Grants

Funding Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council for financial support and Michael Riedel and Klaus van der Linden from Johnson Matthey Catalysts (Germany) GmbH for their help and advice in designing the custom made piezoelectric beams used in this prototype.