Design rules for volume normalizing vibration energy harvesting devices

Abstract

This thesis outlines the design of an electromagnetic induction harvester subjected to volume constraints for a realistic characterization of energy harvesting. In order to maximize power density with volume normalization, the resonant frequency of the energy harvester must match that of the source excitation frequency while the electrical damping limits the maximum amplitude of the harvester. A design tool was created using Matlab to aid in the model design and as an optimization tool for the energy harvester. The impact of adjusting electric damping on power optimality are explored in the model prediction as well as in prototype experiments.