Electromagnetic harvester for lateral vibration in rotating machines

Abstract Energy harvesters are devices that convert mechanical energy, usually vibration, into electrical energy that can be used to supply low power circuits (e.g. sensors). In this work, an energy harvester is designed for converting the mechanical energy of the lateral vibrations of shafts into electrical energy. For that, permanent magnets are mounted in the shaft and coils are mounted in a fixed structure. A configuration analysis is performed to find the appropriated polarization of the magnets and orientation of the coils in order to have electromagnetic induction without resisting torque on the shaft. Experimental tests are done for different electrical configurations of the coils: independent, in series and, in parallel. The results show that more electric power is induced when the coils are connected in series, and vibration reduction is more evident when the coils are connected independently.