Design of a Lightweight Quasi-zero Stiffness Electromagnetic Energy Harvester for Low-Frequency Vibration

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose an energy harvester with quasi-zero stiffness, capable of generating electricity effectively through large amplitude vibration at low frequency, and having a simple structure, light weight, and high working efficiency.MethodThe proposed energy harvester adopts a levitating magnet composed of a multi-magnet array, which is arranged reasonably so that it experiences little resultant force in a larger motion range, exhibiting quasi-zero stiffness characteristics. A mathematical analysis model is established and verified by software simulation and experimental testing.ResultsIn the experiment, the LED array is successfully lit, and it is found that the maximum output power of the system can reach 1 mW under the sinusoidal excitation with an amplitude of 3 mm and a frequency of 5.7 Hz. The experimental results show that the energy harvester has high working efficiency.ConclusionThe proposed energy harvester with quasi-zero stiffness has a simple structure, light weight, and high working efficiency, capable of generating electricity effectively through large amplitude vibration at low frequency. It is a promising energy harvesting technology with wide application prospects.