Simulation and experimental modeling of a multipoles variable capacitor for an electrostatic wind energy harvester

The aim of this work is to study the effect of rotational motion generated by wind on the capacitance variation of the multipole variable capacitor. AutoCAD software was used to model the variable capacitor and to calculate the capacitance variation relative to the angular position caused by wind. Subsequently, experiments were carried out to measure the capacitance variation relative to the angular position and the transient response. Torque analysis was conducted to ensure that the torque applied by wind on a micro-wind turbine could be successfully transferred to the rotary variable capacitor of the harvester. The simulation results indicated a variation of capacitance from 83 pF to 0 pF and the experimental results indicated a variation of capacitance from 110 pF to 39 pF. The torque analysis showed that the torque applied by the wind could successfully rotate the capacitor using a speed-increasing gearbox.