Embodiments of the invention relate to devices and methods to harvest energy resulting from vibrations.
There exists a need for the ability to harvest energy utilizing a low-profile device, enabling devices to be powered by passive motion and thus eliminate the need for traditional power sources, such as batteries that deplete and require replacement.
Aspects of the present invention are drawn to an energy harvesting device that includes a core portion, a first magnet, and a second magnet. The core portion has an electrical output and can move from a first disposition to a second disposition. The first magnet is disposed to provide first magnetic field lines therethrough in a first direction. The second magnet is disposed to provide second magnetic field lines therethrough in a second direction. The core portion, the first magnet and the second magnet are arranged such that externally applied vibrations in a third direction normal to the first direction cause the core portion to oscillate between the first disposition and the second disposition. When traveling from the second disposition to the first disposition, the electrical output outputs a first current so as to have a first polarity based on magnetic field lines from a first portion of the first magnetic field lines and a first portion of the second magnetic field lines, wherein the first portion of the first magnetic field lines is greater than the first portion of the second magnetic field lines. When traveling from the first disposition to the second disposition, the electrical output outputs the first current so as to have a second polarity based on magnetic field lines from a second portion of the first magnetic field lines and a second portion of the second magnetic field lines, wherein the second portion of the first magnetic field lines being less than the second portion of the second magnetic field lines.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification, illustrate example embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:
The present invention provides a device and method to harvest energy resulting from vibrations.
Aspects of the present invention will now be described with reference to
Specifics of two example energy harvesting devices will now be described with reference to
As shown in
A second embodiment, shown in
The two embodiments shown in
Core 102 is disposed laterally between N-S magnet 104 and S-N magnet 106. Core 102 is disposed sufficiently above each of N-S magnet 104 and S-N magnet 106 such that in a rest state as shown in
Insulator 110 is an electrically non-conductive material, non-limiting examples of which include a ceramic material.
Core 102 rests such that ferrite arm 120, ferrite portion 122 and ferrite arm 124 are disposed around S-N magnet 106. Core 102 may be supported by any known system or device (not shown) that enables rotational movement, yet prevents lateral movement in an x-y direction. Non-limiting examples of such support include rotational bearings and bushings. Core 102 is rotated due to the counterbalance bar 108 or the combined counter balance bar 126 and counter balance bar 128.
Ferrite portion 116 and ferrite portion 122 are disposed about insulator 110.
N-S magnet 104 is oriented such that magnetic field line 134 exits plane 144, encircles N-S magnet 104 along magnetic field line 130, and re-enters N-S magnet 104 at plane 142. S-N magnet 106 is positioned with the opposite polar orientation of N-S magnet 104, and with magnetic field line 136, magnetic field line 138 and magnetic field line 140 in opposite orientation of respective lines around N-S magnet 104.
Magnetic field line 132 is concentrated in ferrite arm 114, ferrite portion 116 and ferrite arm 118. Magnetic field line 138 is concentrated in ferrite arm 120, ferrite portion 122 and ferrite arm 124.
In operation, core 102 is initially not level with reference to N-S magnet 104 and S-N magnet 106 as a result of balance bar 108. Core 102 may oscillate in a clockwise and counter-clockwise direction. When there is no vibration or generalized motion of the energy harvesting device, core 102 remains stable, such that ferrite arm 124 is lower than ferrite arm 118. Because there is no motion of core 102, the strength of magnetic field line 132 through ferrite portion 116 and magnetic field line 138 through ferrite portion 122 remain constant and thus no electricity is generated.
A more detailed discussion of the energy harvesting device undergoing clockwise rotation presented in
As shown in the figures, the energy harvesting device further includes a multitude of magnetic field densities 202, 204, 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222 and 224. As shown in
N-S magnet 104 is oriented such that magnetic field density 206 exits plane 228, encircles N-S magnet 104 along magnetic field density 202, and re-enters N-S magnet 104 at plane 226.
S-N magnet 106 is positioned with the opposite polar orientation of N-S magnet 104, and with magnetic field density 208, magnetic field density 210, magnetic field density 212, magnetic field density 220, magnetic field density 222 and magnetic field density 224 in opposite orientation of respective lines around N-S magnet 104.
Magnetic field density 204 is concentrated in ferrite arm 114, ferrite portion 116 and ferrite arm 118. Magnetic field density 210 is concentrated in ferrite arm 120, ferrite portion 122 and ferrite arm 124.
Similarly, magnetic field density 216 is concentrated in ferrite arm 114, ferrite portion 116 and ferrite arm 118. Magnetic field density 222 is concentrated in ferrite arm 120, ferrite portion 122 and ferrite arm 124.
The number of field lines represents magnetic field strength. As a result, magnetic field density 204 represents a weaker field than magnetic field density 210, while magnetic field density 216 is weaker than magnetic field density 222. Similarly, magnetic field density 210 is weaker than magnetic field density 222, and magnetic field density 204 is stronger than magnetic field density 216. Magnetic field density 206, magnetic field density 212, magnetic field density 218 and magnetic field density 224 are constant.
In operation, the energy harvesting device will be disposed in a housing, as will be discussed in more detail below with reference to
With reference to
As ferrite arm 120, ferrite portion 122 and ferrite arm 124 are displaced closer to S-N magnet 106, the magnetic field density changes (in this case increases), as demonstrated by the increasing number of lines from magnetic field density 210 to magnetic field density 222. Similarly, as ferrite arm 114, ferrite portion 116, and ferrite arm 118 are displaced further away from N-S magnet 104, the magnetic field density decreases, as demonstrated by the decreasing number of lines from magnetic field density 204 to magnetic field density 216.
A change in the magnetic field lines through core 102 results in an electrical current having a polarity in conductive winding 112.
For purposes of discussion, consider the disposition of core 102 as shown in
The total rotation of core 102 is limited to a housing (not shown). In any event, as a result of outside vibrations, core 102 will eventually start to move in a counter clockwise rotation.
A more detailed discussion of the energy harvesting device undergoing counter-clockwise rotation from the at-rest position presented in
As shown in the figures, the energy harvesting device further includes a multitude of magnetic field densities 302, 304, 306, 308, 310, 312, 314, 316, 318, 320, 322 and 324.
N-S magnet 104 is oriented such that magnetic field density 306 exits plane 328, encircles N-S magnet 104 along magnetic field density 302, and re-enters N-S magnet 104 at plane 326.
S-N magnet 106 is positioned with the opposite polar orientation of N-S magnet 104, and with magnetic field density 308, magnetic field density 310, magnetic field density 312, magnetic field density 320, magnetic field density 322 and magnetic field density 324 in opposite orientation of respective lines around N-S magnet 104.
Magnetic field density 304 is concentrated in ferrite arm 114, ferrite portion 116 and ferrite arm 118. Magnetic field density 310 is concentrated in ferrite arm 120, ferrite portion 122 and ferrite arm 124.
Similarly, magnetic field density 316 is concentrated in ferrite arm 114, ferrite portion 116 and ferrite arm 118. Magnetic field density 322 is concentrated in ferrite arm 120, ferrite portion 122 and ferrite arm 124.
The number of field lines represents magnetic field strength. As a result, magnetic field density 304 represents a stronger field than magnetic field density 310, while magnetic field density 316 is stronger than magnetic field density 322. Similarly, magnetic field density 310 is stronger than magnetic field density 322, and magnetic field density 304 is weaker than magnetic field density 316. Magnetic field density 306, magnetic field density 312, magnetic field density 318 and magnetic field density 324 are constant.
In operation, the energy harvesting device experiences rotation of core 102 when there is motion.
With reference to
As ferrite arm 114, ferrite portion 116 and ferrite arm 118 are displaced closer to N-S magnet 104, the magnetic field density increases, as demonstrated by the increasing number of lines from magnetic field density 304 to magnetic field density 216, as shown in
It should be noted that core 102 may smoothly rotate between a disposition such as shown in
This change in the magnetic field lines through core 102 is opposite to the change in magnetic field lines discussed above with reference to
Specifics of the example embodiment presented in
As shown in the figures, magnetic field 402 and current 404 are related to the degree of rotation of core 102.
In operation, and returning to
Returning to
The change in position of ferrite portion 122 results in an increasing magnitude of magnetic field from S-N magnet 106. The change in magnetic field strength generates an induced current in conductive winding 112.
Alternatively, returning to
Returning to
The change in position of ferrite portion 116 results in an increasing magnitude of magnetic field from N-S magnet 104. The change in magnetic field strength generates an induced current in conductive winding 112.
With vibration and assisted by counter balance bar 108, core 102 undergoes oscillatory motion, clockwise to counter-clockwise to clockwise. In doing so, the magnet field strength is continuously changing, continuously inducing a current in conductive winding 112.
Specifics of the example embodiment presented in
As shown in the figures, the energy harvesting device includes the energy harvesting device described in
Entry wire 504 connects conductive winding 112 to output component 502. Exit wire 506 connects conductive winding 112 to output component 502. Output 508 connects output component 502 to an external device (not shown). Entry wire 504, exit wire 506 and output 508 form a conductive circuit, wherein current formed by the induced magnetic fields in core 102 may be output from the energy harvesting device.
Entry wire 504 and exit coiling 530 are used to transmit electrical current between conductive winding 112 and output component 502.
Output 508 transmits generated current to the external device. Non-limiting examples of external devices include energy storage such as batteries or capacitor, or active devices. The housing may be mounted to a surface that exhibits motion from which the energy harvesting device may harvest energy.
In operation, the energy harvesting device of
As described with reference to
The embodiments discussed with reference to
Specifics of an example energy harvesting devices without an insulator will now be described with reference to
As shown in the figures, energy harvesting device of
Core 602 is disposed laterally between N-S magnet 604 and S-N magnet 606. Ferrite arm 612 is oriented perpendicularly to and jointed to ferrite 614. Ferrite arm 616 is oriented perpendicularly to and jointed to ferrite 614. Ferrite arm 618 is oriented perpendicularly to and jointed to ferrite 620. Ferrite arm 622 is oriented perpendicularly to and jointed to ferrite 620. Counter balance bar 108 is disposed adjacent and connected to ferrite arm 618 and ferrite arm 622. Conductive winding 610 is oriented concentrically around ferrite 614 and ferrite 620.
N-S magnet 604 is oriented such that magnetic field line 628 exits plane 638, encircles N-S magnet 604 along magnetic field line 624, and re-enters N-S magnet 604 at plane 636.
S-N magnet 606 is positioned with the opposite polar orientation of N-S magnet 604, and with magnetic field density 630, magnetic field density 632 and magnetic field density 634 in opposite orientation of respective densities around N-S magnet 604.
Magnetic field line 626 is concentrated in ferrite arm 612, ferrite 614 and ferrite arm 616. Magnetic field line 632 is concentrated in ferrite arm 618, ferrite 620 and ferrite arm 622.
Core 602 rests such that ferrite arm 618, ferrite 620 and ferrite arm 622 are disposed around S-N magnet 606. Core 602 is rotated about ferrite 614 and ferrite 620 due to the counterbalance bar 608.
In operation, core 602 is rotated clockwise and ferrite arm 618, ferrite 620 and ferrite arm 622 are disposed around S-N magnet 606 due to counter balance bar 608. When there is no vibration or generalized motion of the energy harvesting device of
In the embodiments discussed above with reference to
Specifics of an example energy harvesting devices utilizing vertical arrangement of magnets will now be described with reference to
As shown in the figure, the energy harvesting device includes a core 702, a N-S magnet 704 and a S-N magnet 706. Core 702 further includes an insulator 708, a conductive winding 710 and a ferrite 712.
Core 702 is disposed vertically between N-S magnet 704 and S-N magnet 706. Insulator 708 is disposed at the center of core 702, and disposed adjacent and connected to ferrite 712. Conductive winding 710 is oriented concentrically around the insulator 708 and ferrite 712.
Core 702 rests such that ferrite 712 is disposed around S-N magnet 706. Core 702 is rotated about ferrite 712 due to the weight of ferrite 712.
In operation, when there is no vibration or generalized motion of the energy harvesting device of
In the embodiment of
Specifics of an example energy harvesting devices utilizing four magnets will now be described with reference to
As shown in the figure, the energy harvesting device includes a core 802, a N-S magnet 804, a S-N magnet 806, a S-N magnet 808, a N-S magnet 810 and a counter balance bar 812. Core 802 further includes an insulator 814, a conductive winding 816, a ferrite 818 and a ferrite 820.
Core 802 is disposed vertically between N-S magnet 804 and S-N magnet 808. Core 802 is further disposed vertically between N-S magnet 810 and S-N magnet 808. Core 802 is disposed horizontally between N-S magnet 804 and S-N magnet 806. Core 802 is further disposed horizontally between N-S magnet 810 and S-N magnet 808. Insulator 814 is disposed at the center of core 802, and disposed between and parallel to ferrite 818 and ferrite 820. Counter balance bar 812 is disposed adjacent and connected to ferrite 820, and parallel to insulator 814. Conductive winding 816 is oriented concentrically around the insulator 814, ferrite 818 and ferrite 820.
Core 802 is rotated about ferrite 814 due to the counterbalance bar 812.
Core 802 rests such that ferrite 820 is disposed around S-N magnet 806. Similarly, core 802 rests such that ferrite 818 is disposed around S-N magnet 808.
In operation, when there is no vibration or generalized motion of the energy harvesting device of
In the embodiment of
In summary, the described invention provides a method to harvest energy. The low-profile device can generate energy resulting from device motion and output it to a variety of devices, such as a battery for energy storage. Non-limiting examples of motion could include bridge vibration resulting from traffic. The current disclosure includes several embodiments utilizing similar principles that could allow for applications to a variety of situations and motion types.
The foregoing description of various preferred embodiments have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The example embodiments, as described above, were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the claims appended hereto.
The United States Government has ownership rights in this invention. Licensing inquiries may be directed to Office of Research and Technical Applications, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Center, Pacific, Code 72120, San Diego, Calif., 92152; telephone (619) 553-5118; email: ssc_pac_t2@navy.mil. Reference Navy Case No. 102,671.
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