Characterization of Solenoid for Vibrational Energy Harvesting

Hwang, Boon Fei (2017) Characterization of Solenoid for Vibrational Energy Harvesting. Final Year Project (Bachelor), Tunku Abdul Rahman University College.

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Abstract

Sensors and data loggers are widely used in monitoring and recording certain time history data for a period of time. They need to be powered for 24 hours 365 days a year, for many years although it consumes very low power. In certain circumference, this monitoring system is far away from the electricity grid, therefore batteries will be used and a power generation device is needed to recharge the batteries. Instead of using solar power, the uses of vibrational power was analysed in this project since it is more reliable and cost effective. One of the project’s objectives is to harvest vibrational energy using solenoid and assess the performance of the energy harvester. The principal of electromagnetic induction was used to convert the vibrational energy into electricity. A prototype of vibrational energy harvesting system was developed and parametric study was carried out. The reason of conduct parametric study is to characterize the solenoid in energy conversion from vibrational energy to electrical energy. The electricity power output was measured at various vibration frequencies, vibration amplitudes, magnetic strengths and number of coils. All the parametric studies are test with 15 different patterns and length of propellers, 20cm or 30cm distance between the support and the copper solenoid valve coil, and different number of magnet. The results and data that collected are based on the effect of vibration frequencies, the effect of vibration amplitudes, the effect of magnetic strengths and the effect of coil number. Based on the results in Figure 4-3, the power output was not affected by the vibration frequency because all the point are at the random position and inconsistent. The vibrating electromagnetic element generates an AC voltage which is unstable. Thus, the AC electric voltage that generate by the vibration harvesting is incompatibility and vibration frequency only affect the AC output power frequency. Meanwhile, the power output is directly proportional to the vibration amplitude, magnetic strength and number of coils. In Figure 4-4, larger size of propeller will create higher amplitude that has larger displacement between the magnets swing up and down and causes the wire coils able to cut through more magnetic flux of magnets. Besides that, the electromotive force, emf depends on the magnetic strength of the magnet. Figure 4-5 and Figure 4-6 show that the increasing magnetic strength of magnet will increase the power output that generate. The maximum power generated was recorded at 2.34 Watts. This output power is sufficient to power most of the monitoring devices stated. The applicability of an electromagnetic generator to start a low power wireless device has been investigated, which is tested by using multimeter and red LED bulb. By harvesting the vibration from wind, construction, traffic and rail networks, electromagnetic generator can generate electrical power which store in the power storage for systems that do not use high amount of electric power. This system can be applied in low power wireless devices that used in building structures, bridge and machine.