Self-Powered Vibrational Energy Harvester Based on Material Work-Function

Abstract

The energy harvesting from ambient vibrations is a well-known technique to power miniature devices. Various types of vibrational energy harvesters (VEHS) are designed and manufactured based upon different principles. Some of these energy harvesters require initial biasing provided by batteries. Work-function of two different types of materials are assumed to charge parallel plates at their close proximity. An experimental fixture is designed and manufactured to verify the self-powered VEHS working principle. Samples of different sizes made from aluminium and copper metals are used to observe the effect of area of plates on output parameters of energy harvester. Impact of surface roughness and vibrational frequency on the harvested output is also studied.