A high-performance mini-generator with average power of 2 W for human motion energy harvesting and wearable electronics applications. (1st February 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hou, Jianwei; Qian, Shuo; Hou, Xiaojuan; Zhang, Jie; Wu, Hui; Guo, Yangyanhao; Xian, Shuai; Geng, Wenping; Mu, Jiliang; He, Jian; Chou, Xiujian
• Is Part Of: Energy conversion and management. Volume 277(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-02-01
• Subjects: Intersecting beam array -- High-efficiency -- High-power -- Electromagnetic energy harvesting -- Power supply; Direct energy conversion -- Periodicals; Energy storage -- Periodicals; Energy transfer -- Periodicals; Énergie -- Conversion directe -- Périodiques; Direct energy conversion; Periodicals; 621.3105
• DOI: 10.1016/j.enconman.2022.116612
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0196-8904

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Highlights: The average output power of the energy harvester can reach 2 W. The energy conversion efficiency of the energy harvester can reach 65.2%. The intersection beam structure can magnify the compression distance of 3.4 times. The intersecting beam structure converts the vertical compression force to the horizontal direction. The intersection beam structure changes the direction of the compression force. Abstract: The sustainability of power supply for mobile electronic devices is a problem that needs to be solved urgently. The energy from human motion is an optimal solution for this problem. As for the traditional energy harvesters based on electromagnetic, triboelectric, and piezoelectric induction, energy management is the largest challenge because of the low conversion efficiency and output power. In this paper, a high-efficiency and high-power energy harvester (EPEH) is presented based on the intersecting beam array structure. It can effectively harvest the pressure energy of humans under the soles at the states of walking, running, and weight-bearing walking. The EPEH does not impair the flexibility of humans compared with joint energy harvesters. The intersecting beam array structure is key component, which can magnify the compression distance in the vertical direction of 3.4 times in the horizontal direction, facilitating maximum energy harvesting within a limited height. On the other hand, the design of rolling friction structure can effectively reduce energy loss and improve energy conversion efficiency. The result shows that the maximum average output power can reach 2 W at 7 k m / h . Because of the high output power, the energy management circuits and voltage regulator circuits can be derived and stable work, the energy harvested by the EPEH can be stored in the lithium battery (3.7 V, 50 m A h ). Furthermore, the generated energy could supply mobile phones, smart watches, light bulbs, flashlights, children's anti-lost devices, and so on. Through the energy management circuit and voltage regulator circuit (1.5 V and 5 V ), the energy conversion efficiency of the device can reach 65.2 % at a compression velocity of 2500 m m / m i n and a frequency of 1.25 H z . It is of great significance for the practical application of wearable energy harvesting technology and has multiple application prospects.