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Power supply for wireless sensor systems

  • Technical University of Munich

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

45 Scopus citations

Abstract

The power supply of wireless sensor systems is an\ issue of growing importance since replacement of batteries is expensive over the sensor lifetime. We will present an energy harvesting system which generates electrical energy from flowing media without any rotating parts. Available energy densities in flowing media are in the range of 256W/m2 in air at a flow velocity of 10m/s and 1600kW/m2 in water at 2m/s, respectively. The generator consists of piezoelectric bimorph cantilevers with very low maintenance requirements. The cantilevers are oscillating in a von Kármán's vortex street induced by a flow disturbance. Modeling and analytical calculations give parameters for a design optimization which have been verified by a finite element simulation. The working principle has been proved using a functional model of the generator. Maximum voltages of 0.83V have been achieved at air flow velocities of 35m/s. The cantilevers delivered up to 108μW at a velocity of 45m/s.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2008 IEEE Sensors, SENSORS 2008
Pages685-688
Number of pages4
DOIs
StatePublished - 2008
Event2008 IEEE Sensors, SENSORS 2008 - Lecce, Italy
Duration: 26 Oct 200829 Oct 2009

Publication series

NameProceedings of IEEE Sensors

Conference

Conference2008 IEEE Sensors, SENSORS 2008
Country/TerritoryItaly
CityLecce
Period26/10/0829/10/09

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