VIBRATION ENERGY HARVESTER SYSTEM (VEHS)

• Main Author: Sulaiman Chan, Muhammad Hafifi
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Universiti Teknologi Petronas 2011
• Subjects: TK Electrical engineering. Electronics Nuclear engineering
• Online Access: http://utpedia.utp.edu.my/8783/1/2011%20-%20Vibration%20energy%20harvester%20system%28VEHS%29.pdf; http://utpedia.utp.edu.my/8783/

Energy harvesting is a process in which energy is drawn from external sources. Energy harvesting device is used to convert other available form of energy, for example solar energy, wind energy, thermal energy and mechanical energy, into electrical energy. This has attracted much attention from many people to utilize the abundant natural energy from being wasted. One of the most fundamental energy available which is often neglected is vibration energy. Vibration energy subsists widely in the world and is always wasted. The purpose of this project is to develop a working prototype, Vibration Energy Harvester System (VEHS), which will be used to convert the vibration energy created by traffic vibration on the road pavement into electrical energy. Among the technique available in converting the vibration energy into electrical energy is by using the concept of electrostatic, piezoelectric and electromagnetic induction. Since it is easy to keep a strong magnetic field using strong permanent magnet, electromagnetic induction is chosen as the suitable approach for this project. Engineering drawing tool, AutoCAD, is used to design the prototype before is it fabricated. Next, based on a presume value of identified variable, a simulation is done using MA TLAB to speculate the amount of output that are able to be drawn from the actual prototype. After that, the prototype is fabricated and the testing is carried out to observe the performance of the device. The prototype is placed on vibration generator where its frequency and acceleration can be adjusted. The result of open-loop and closed-loop test of the prototype is summarized in the graphical representation.