Cutting tool vibration energy harvesting for wireless sensors applications

Abstract This paper presents a method of cutting tool vibration energy harvesting for wireless applications, the created devices and the results of the accomplished experiments. The proposed high frequency piezo generator assures energy harvesting, accumulation and appropriateness for wireless sensors applications. The proposed architecture composed from energy harvesting transducer, energy accumulating capacitor, sensors, microcontroller and RF link opens a way for wireless sensors networks in manufacturing technologies providing the effective integration of information, delivered by sensors of different nature, to achieve a wholesome description of the status of the monitored process. The elaborated algorithm and the created detector could reach no more than 100–150 nA current consumption during capacitor charging. This method makes possible the accumulation of necessary energy during turning tool vibrations. According to the experimental results, the created wireless sensor energy harvester prototype satisfies the energy needs for sensors and is capable of transmitting the information at the distance of 20 m. For cutting tool performance evaluation the limitary moment, when cutting tool starts manufacturing inappropriate quality parts, was defined experimentally and statistically.