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Ultra-Compact Electromagnetic Generator

IP Title

Rolling Magnetic Energy Harvester

Detailed Technology Description

None

Supplementary Information

Inventor: Arnold, David P. | Bowers, Benjamin James
Priority Number: US8729747B2
IPC Current: H02K003502 | H01F004108 | H02K003500
US Class: 310034 | 310014 | 310015 | 310023 | 310030 | 310036
Assignee Applicant: University of Florida Research Foundation Inc.inesville
Title: Method and apparatus for motional/vibrational energy harvesting via electromagnetic induction
Usefulness: Method and apparatus for motional/vibrational energy harvesting via electromagnetic induction
Novelty: Micro-machining and micro-electro mechanical system device used as power source of electronic apparatus has at least one coil made to generate one electric current for every induced movement with aid of magnet

Industry

Environmental/Green Technology

Sub Category

Green Energy

Application Date

Aug 2, 2010

Application No.

8,729,747

Others

*Abstract

Invention

This compact, ultra-light device efficiently harvests energy from motional sources. Although methods for harvesting kinetic energy exist, conventional devices used are large and generate limited quantities of energy. For instance, some designs involve a weight attached to a vibrating spring, where the frequency and amplitude of its oscillations generate approximately 100 microWatts of energy. However, researchers at the University of Florida have developed a solution by creating a device the size of a AA battery that passively harvests significantly larger quantities of energy under normal human activities. By utilizing the rotational motion of internal cylindrical magnets, this device can potentially provide efficient energy to various electronics.

Applications

Ultra-compact device that harvests kinetic energy for portable electronics, soldier subsystems, robotic platforms and sensor networks

Advantages

• Incorporates a rolling magnet design, increasing energy harvesting capabilities
• Offers avenues for miniaturization with significantly higher power density, allowing manufacturers to implement generator in small-sized electronics
• Useful in a variety of governmental and private sector applications, providing multiple market applications
• Enables energy harvesting over a range of vibrational frequencies and amplitudes, reducing the need for a specific vibrational signature

Technology

The ultra-compact electromagnetic generator provides high-energy-density motional power sources for portable electronics, soldier subsystems, robotic platforms and sensor networks. The heart of the power source is a free-rolling cylindrical or spherical magnet that generates power in surrounding coils via magnetic induction. When external motion is present, these magnetic coils begin to roll freely, generating electrical power. Converse to consumer shake-light emergency flashlights, this device offers avenues for miniaturization and significantly higher power density via rotational motion rather than translational. By including a wide range of vibrational frequencies and amplitudes, this system offers significant advantages over previously explored resonant mass-spring-damper energy harvesting systems, which require periodic vibrations at a single specific frequency and exhibit unfavorable scaling for miniaturization.

Related to technologies 12476, 13182

*IP Issue Date

May 20, 2014

*IP Publication Date

Aug 4, 2011

*Principal Investigator

Name: David Arnold

Department:

Name: Benjamin Bowers

Department:

Country/Region

USA