Liquid Vibration Energy Harvesting Device Using Ferrofluids

Mechanical vibrations can be effectively converted into electrical energy using a liquid type of energy harvesting device comprised of a ferrofluid and a permanent magnet-inductor coil assembly. Compared to solid vibration energy harvesting devices, the liquid nature of the ferrofluid overcomes space conformity limitations which allow for the utilization of a wider range of previously inaccessible mechanical vibration energy sources for electricity generation and sensing. This report describes the design and the governing equations for the proposed liquid vibration energy harvesting device and demonstrates vibration energy harvesting at frequencies of up to 33 Hz while generating up to 1.1 mV. The proposed design can continuously convert mechanical into electrical energy for direct discharge or accumulation and storage of electrical energy.

Automated summary

This report introduces a liquid energy harvesting device that utilizes a ferrofluid and a permanent magnet-inductor coil assembly to effectively convert mechanical vibrations into electrical energy. Unlike solid vibration energy harvesting devices, the liquid nature of the ferrofluid overcomes space conformity limitations, enabling the utilization of a wider range of previously inaccessible mechanical vibration energy sources for electricity generation and sensing. The proposed design can continuously convert mechanical energy into electrical energy for direct discharge or accumulation and storage.