Characterization of a Hybrid Ambient Low Frequency, Low Intensity Vibration Energy Scavenger System

This paper identifies prior limitations, essential modifications, and effective change in system performance of a hybrid energy scavenger system, coupling both piezoelectric and electrostatic energy conversion using a lead zirconate titanate (PZT) cantilever. Based on energy survey, the system is targeting sinusoidal acceleration of 2.5m/s at 120Hz in a volume of <0.25cm. The primary goal of the system is to maximize energy density within the volume, dominated by the proof mass for low frequency resonant operation, by using the mass as a variable capacitor (CVAR) electrode for electrostatic scavenging on a shared platform. Implemented changes enable the observation of a 19.8 percent voltage gain beyond the DC rails provided by the PZT.