On the Comparison, Scaling and Benchmarking of Electromagnetic Vibration Energy Harvesters

This paper introduces and compares different benchmark parameters for the performance of electromagnetic energy harvesters, including the bottom-up (power according to the harvester model) as well as the top-down view (maximum power that can be generated within a volume) and considering the dependency and scaling of geometrical and physical parameters, such as the mechanical damping. The comparison is not only to give assistance for a fair benchmarking of prototypes but moreover to better understand how high performance harvesters should be designed. We summarize, which important data should be provided with a published harvester to allow benchmarking, and conclude to a set of benchmark parameters that are of main practical importance.