Feasibility study of a vibration powered micro-electric generator

In this article, the feasibility of a micromechanical device for generating electrical energy from mechanical vibrations is explored. This miniature generator would be used as a stand-alone power supply for microsystems in environments with significant amounts of vibration energy. The generator consists ofa mass-spring-damper system, similar to an accelerometer. When the generator is vibrated, the proof mass on a spring moves out of phase with the housing. This relative displacement can be used to drive a suitable transducer to generate electrical energy. The transducer is represented as a damper because the transducer damps the mass by converting the mechanical energy into electrical energy. A suitable choice of transducer would be a coil-magnet arrangement with a permanent magnet on the mass and a coil on the housing. (3 pages)