The Study and Development of Energy Harvesting Vibration Absorbers

Vibrational energy harvesting seeks to convert ambient energy into electricity when battery replacement or line transmission is infeasible or impracticable. Electromechanical mass-spring harvesters are designed to exhibit a resonance frequency close to the principal vibrational frequency of the main or environmental system; excited near to resonance, the harvesters convert the kinetic or potential energy into electricity by means of the electromechanical coupling mechanism. Passive vibration control research has historically considered the mass-spring system as a lightweight means by which to attenuate structural vibration. This research seeks to unify the objectives of energy harvesting and structural panel vibration control by the study and development of energy harvesting vibration absorbers (EHVA) capable of concurrently satisfying both goals. New challenges are imposed in adopting this perspective, namely the dynamic coupling of the EHVAs to the host structure and the development of versatile devices which balance both objectives. Numerical modeling shows that the objectives are not in direct opposition and experimental results show that careful EHVA design and employment adequately meet both goals.