Energy Harvester with Adjustable Resonant Frequency
First Claim
1. An energy harvesting apparatus for harvesting and converting environmentally intrinsic vibrational energy into electrical energy comprising:
- a piezoelectric device;
a support structure securing at least one portion of said piezoelectric device from relative motion along at least one axis;
a proof mass coupled to a second portion of said piezoelectric device; and
a force generating means for applying a controllable force to said proof mass,whereby environmentally intrinsic vibrational energy produces movement of the proof mass and consequent strain in the piezoelectric device thereby producing electrical energy and said force generating means adjusts the resonant frequency of the energy harvesting apparatus to conform with the frequency or frequencies of existing environmentally intrinsic vibrational energy.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present subject matter discloses devices, systems, and methodologies for harvesting power from environmentally induced vibrations. Piezoelectric devices (24) and structures are disclosed that may be employed in combination with electro-magnetic (100) or capacitive (92, 94) elements to enhance the power harvesting capabilities of the piezoelectric devices (24). The electromagnetic (100) and capacitive (92, 94) elements may be used to assist in maintaining system mechanical resonance in order to maximize energy harvesting capabilities. Power harvesting devices and systems in accordance with the subject technology may concurrently operate as sensors in motion sensitive applications thus providing self-powered monitoring capabilities.
70 Citations
10 Claims
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1. An energy harvesting apparatus for harvesting and converting environmentally intrinsic vibrational energy into electrical energy comprising:
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a piezoelectric device; a support structure securing at least one portion of said piezoelectric device from relative motion along at least one axis; a proof mass coupled to a second portion of said piezoelectric device; and a force generating means for applying a controllable force to said proof mass, whereby environmentally intrinsic vibrational energy produces movement of the proof mass and consequent strain in the piezoelectric device thereby producing electrical energy and said force generating means adjusts the resonant frequency of the energy harvesting apparatus to conform with the frequency or frequencies of existing environmentally intrinsic vibrational energy. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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Specification