Improved design of linear electromagnetic transducers for large-scale vibration energy harvesting

Xiudong Tang; Lei Zuo; Teng Lin; Peisheng Zhang

doi:10.1117/12.880579

27 April 2011 Improved design of linear electromagnetic transducers for large-scale vibration energy harvesting

Xiudong Tang, Lei Zuo, Teng Lin, Peisheng Zhang

Proceedings Volume 7977, Active and Passive Smart Structures and Integrated Systems 2011; 79770O (2011) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.880579
Event: SPIE Smart Structures and Materials + Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring, 2011, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

This paper presents the design and optimization of tubular Linear Electromagnetic Transducers (LETs) with applications to large-scale vibration energy harvesting, such as from vehicle suspensions, tall buildings or long bridges. Four types of LETs are considered and compared, namely, single-layer configuration using axial magnets, double-layer configuration using axial magnets, single-layer configuration using both axial and radial magnets, double-layer configuration using both axial and radial magnets. In order to optimize the LETs, the parameters investigated in this paper include the thickness of the magnets in axial direction and the thickness of the coils in the radial direction. Finite element method is used to analyze the axisymmetric two-dimensional magnetic fields. Both magnetic flux densities B_r [T] in the radial direction and power density [W/m³] are calculated. It is found that the parameter optimization can increase the power density of LETs to 2.7 times compared with the initial design [Zuo et al, Smart Materials and Structures, v19 n4, 2010], and the double-layer configuration with both radial and axial magnets can improve the power density to 4.7 times, approaching to the energy dissipation rate of traditional oil dampers. As a case study, we investigate its application to energy-harvesting shock absorbers. For a reasonable retrofit size, the LETs with double-layer configuration and both axial and radial NdFeB magnets can provide a damping coefficient of 1138 N·s/m while harvesting 35.5 W power on the external electric load at 0.25 m/s suspension velocity. If the LET is shorten circuit, it can dissipate energy at the rate of 142.0 W, providing of a damping coefficient of 2276 N·s/m. Practical consideration of number of coil phases is also discussed.

Citation Download Citation

Xiudong Tang, Lei Zuo, Teng Lin, and Peisheng Zhang "Improved design of linear electromagnetic transducers for large-scale vibration energy harvesting", Proc. SPIE 7977, Active and Passive Smart Structures and Integrated Systems 2011, 79770O (27 April 2011); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.880579

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available