Pekoslawski B., Pietrzak P., Makowski M., Szafoni L., Napieralski A.
Technical University of Lodz, PL
Keywords: autonomous power supply, condition monitoring, energy harvesting, large rotary machine, piezogenerator, sensor node powering, turbogenerator, Vibration Energy Harvester, wireless sensor network
A condition monitoring of large rotary machines such as turbogenerators in power plants can be more convenient and less expensive when using a distributed measurement system with wireless sensor nodes. A battery-based powering of these sensor nodes has, however, several limitations. The authors propose an alternative solution applying small-size piezoelectric generators, in which energy of machine mechanical vibrations is harvested and converted to electric energy. Experimental studies were conducted for a cantilever–beam bender piezogenerator. A maximization of generated electric power was achieved by matching load impedance to piezoelectric element output impedance and designing suitable weighting mass for mechanical resonance. Diodes in bridge rectifier were carefully selected to minimize power-processing losses. Various DC voltage regulators including switching ones were also studied. The operation of the piezoelectric element and the weighting mass setup was investigated in real conditions on a turbogenerator. Generated power levels were compared for three vibration directions and for various locations on the turbogenerator stator. The results of the studies can be useful for a future work on micromachined piezoelectric Vibration Energy Harvesters for large rotary machine condition-monitoring systems. Some other issues, such as piezoelectric material degradation and mounting to vibrating machine surface, are also discussed.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 1, Nanotechnology 2009: Fabrication, Particles, Characterization, MEMS, Electronics and Photonics
Published: May 3, 2009
Pages: 530 - 533
Industry sector: Sensors, MEMS, Electronics
Topic: MEMS & NEMS Devices, Modeling & Applications
ISBN: 978-1-4398-1782-7