Output details

On the optimal energy harvesting from a vibration source

Significance of output:

The market for devices which can convert ambient mechanical vibrations to useful electric energy is continuously growing as changing batteries is not always convenient/possible. These devices can be used, for example, to power wireless sensor networks monitoring aging infrastructure. The paper analyses the optimal behaviour of such device and investigates the role of mechanical damping. Our analysis has led many researchers to modify their designs in order to realise two optimal frequencies which can be suitable either for charging batteries or for operating wireless sensors.