Simulation of Electromagnetic Generator as Biomechanical Energy Harvester

Featured Application The output of this research by means of energy harvesting through biomechanical motion has the potential to be applied to charging portable devices. Portable electronic devices are dependent on batteries as the ultimate source of power. Irrefutably, batteries only have a limited operating period as they need to be regularly replaced or recharged. In many situations, the power grid infrastructure is not easily accessible to recharge the batteries and the recharging duration is also not convenient for the user to wait. Enhancement of a reliable electronic system by preventing power interruptions in remote areas is essential. Similarly, modern medical instruments and implant devices need reliable, almost maintenance-free power to ensure they are able to operate in all situations without any power interruptions. In this paper, the small-sized electromagnetic generator was designed to produce higher power by utilizing the knee angle transition involved during the walking phase as the input rotary force. The proposed generator design was investigated through COMSOL Multiphysics simulation. The achieved output RMS power was in the range of 3.31 W to 14.95 W based on the RPM range between 360 RPM to 800 RPM.

Automated summary

This research presents a design of a small electromagnetic generator that utilizes biomechanical motion to generate power for charging portable devices. The generator takes advantage of the knee angle transition during walking to produce a higher output power.