Composite energy collecting device

By integrating radio wave and vibration energy harvesting modules, a continuous power supply is provided for sensor nodes, solving the problems of inconvenient replacement of traditional battery power and the limitation of solar photovoltaic panels by sunlight, thus achieving reliable energy supply and system stability in remote areas.

CN224006508UActive Publication Date: 2026-03-17ZHONGSHAN SUNTEK ELECTRONICS CO LTD
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-12-30
Publication Date
2026-03-17

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Traditional battery-powered sensor nodes suffer from inconvenience in replacement and limited lifespan, while solar photovoltaic panels have limited energy supply when sunlight is insufficient, making it difficult to meet the needs of long-term independent operation.

Method used

It adopts a composite energy harvesting device that integrates radio wave energy harvesting, vibration energy harvesting, energy storage, GPS positioning and IoT communication functions. It provides continuous power support through radio wave energy harvesting module and vibration energy harvesting module, and coordinates the operation of each module through energy storage module and processor module.

Benefits of technology

It enables a continuous and reliable energy supply in remote areas or environments with insufficient sunlight, reduces maintenance costs, improves system stability and durability, and enhances applicability and reliability.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

According to the composite energy collection device, the radio wave energy collection module and the vibration energy collection module are integrated, integration of multiple energy collection modes is achieved, and the energy collection efficiency is remarkably improved. In a remote environment or an environment in which a conventional power supply is difficult to access, the device can provide continuous and reliable energy supply for the sensor node, and the dependence on the conventional power supply is reduced. The vibration energy collection module is divided into a piezoelectric type and an electromagnetic type, adapts to different vibration environments, effectively converts mechanical vibration into electric energy, and converts the electric energy into direct-current electric energy through a rectifying circuit to be stored. In addition, a frequency scanning unit arranged on the device can analyze radio frequency signals in real time, automatically position the strongest frequency of the signals, guide the RF energy collector to optimally receive and avoid energy loss. The processor module serves as a control center, stable operation and efficient energy management of the device are ensured, and the applicability and reliability of the device are further enhanced.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of energy harvesting technology, and in particular to a composite energy harvesting device. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of the Internet of Things (IoT), the demand for miniaturized, low-power wireless sensor nodes capable of operating independently for extended periods is growing. Traditional battery-powered systems suffer from inconvenient replacement, while solar photovoltaic panels, although providing a continuous energy source, are less effective in environments with poor sunlight conditions. Therefore, exploring new energy harvesting methods has become a research hotspot.

[0003] Moreover, traditional sensor nodes typically rely on battery power, but batteries have limited lifespans, and replacing batteries is costly and requires a lot of maintenance.

[0004] Therefore, overcoming the above-mentioned shortcomings has become an important issue that urgently needs to be addressed by those skilled in the art. Utility Model Content

[0005] This invention overcomes the shortcomings of the aforementioned technologies. The composite energy harvesting device of this invention integrates radio wave energy harvesting, vibration energy harvesting, energy storage, GPS positioning, and IoT communication functions, providing a reliable and durable energy supply path for sensor nodes, thereby reducing maintenance costs and improving the stability and durability of the system.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this novel experimental design employs the following technical solution:

[0007] A composite energy harvesting device includes a device body 100, the device body 100 comprising:

[0008] Radio wave energy harvesting module 1 is configured to capture radio wave signals in the surrounding environment and convert the captured radio wave signals into DC electrical energy that can be stored.

[0009] Vibration energy harvesting module 2 is configured to capture energy from mechanical vibration and convert the captured energy into DC electrical energy that can be stored.

[0010] The energy storage module 3 is connected to the radio wave energy harvesting module 1 and the vibration energy harvesting module 2, and is configured to receive and store the DC power converted from these two modules, and provide stable and continuous power support for the device body 100.

[0011] The processor module 4 is connected to the radio wave energy harvesting module 1, the vibration energy harvesting module 2, and the energy storage module 3, and is configured to coordinate the operation of these modules to ensure the normal operation of the device body 100.

[0012] Preferably, the device body 100 further includes:

[0013] GPS positioning module 5 is connected to processor module 4 and is configured to acquire the current location information of device body 100;

[0014] The communication module 6 is connected to the GPS positioning module 5 and the processor module 4, and is configured to realize the communication and transmission of information and data, including sending the location information obtained by the GPS positioning module 5 and other possible data to a remote server or other communication devices.

[0015] Preferably, the radio wave energy harvesting module 1 includes: an RF energy harvester 11 for harvesting radio frequency signals, a first rectifier circuit 12 for receiving and converting radio wave signals into DC power, and a voltage regulator 13 for regulating the voltage rectified by the first rectifier circuit 12.

[0016] Preferably, the vibration energy harvesting module 2 is a piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting module or an electromagnetic vibration energy harvesting module.

[0017] Preferably, the piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting module includes: a piezoelectric material 211, a piezoelectric element 212, and a second rectifier circuit 213, wherein the piezoelectric material 211 can convert mechanical vibration into electrical energy, the piezoelectric element 212 is used to effectively collect and convert the electrical energy generated by the piezoelectric material 211, and the second rectifier circuit 213 is used to convert the AC electrical energy output by the piezoelectric element 212 into DC electrical energy.

[0018] Preferably, the electromagnetic vibration energy harvesting module includes an electromagnetic induction component 221 and a third rectifier circuit 222, wherein the electromagnetic induction component 221 includes a magnet 2211 and a coil 2212, the magnet 2211 moves relative to the coil under mechanical vibration to generate electrical energy, and the third rectifier circuit 222 is used to convert the AC electrical energy output by the electromagnetic induction component 221 into DC electrical energy.

[0019] Preferably, the energy storage module 3 includes: a supercapacitor / lithium battery 31 for storing the collected energy and a battery management chip circuit 32.

[0020] Preferably, the radio wave energy harvesting module 1 further includes:

[0021] The frequency scanning unit 14, which is connected to the RF energy harvester 11, is used to analyze the received radio frequency signal, automatically search for frequencies within a specific range of the signal based on the signal strength, and send instructions to the RF energy harvester 11 through the processor module 4 to adjust the antenna or receiving parameters of the RF energy harvester 11.

[0022] Preferably, the communication module is an IoT communication module.

[0023] Compared with existing technologies, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0024] 1. This utility model integrates a radio wave energy harvesting module and a vibration energy harvesting module, achieving the integration of multiple energy harvesting methods and significantly improving energy harvesting efficiency. In remote areas or environments where conventional power sources are difficult to access, this device can continuously provide a reliable energy supply to sensor nodes, reducing dependence on traditional power sources. Furthermore, compared to solar photovoltaic panels, the vibration energy harvesting module is not limited by lighting conditions and can continue to operate in environments with insufficient or no light, providing continuous energy to wireless sensor nodes, further enhancing the applicability and reliability of the device.

[0025] 2. The vibration energy harvesting module in this invention is available in both piezoelectric and electromagnetic types, a design that enhances the versatility and adaptability of vibration energy harvesting. In environments rich in vibration sources, the device can select the most suitable harvesting method based on actual conditions, thereby more effectively converting mechanical vibration into electrical energy. Furthermore, through the design of the rectifier circuit, the device can convert the generated AC power into DC power, facilitating subsequent storage and use. This efficient energy conversion and storage mechanism extends the operating time of the wireless sensing node and improves energy utilization efficiency.

[0026] 3. This invention also features a frequency scanning unit capable of analyzing received radio frequency signals in real time and scanning frequencies within a specific range based on signal strength. This function allows the device to automatically locate the strongest signal frequency or frequency range, thereby guiding the RF energy harvester to dynamically adjust its antenna or receiving parameters for more effective reception of these radio frequency signals. This intelligent energy harvesting strategy avoids unnecessary energy loss and further improves energy harvesting efficiency and recycling rate. Simultaneously, the processor module, as the control center of the entire system, coordinates the work of each module, ensuring stable operation and efficient energy management of the device. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this case;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic block diagram showing the specific structure of the vibration energy harvesting module in this case when it is a piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting module;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic block diagram showing the specific structure of the vibration energy harvesting module in this case when it is an electromagnetic vibration energy harvesting module. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The following examples will further illustrate the features of this utility model and other related features in detail, so as to enable those skilled in the art to understand them.

[0031] like Figures 1-3 As shown, to achieve the above objectives, this novel experimental design employs the following technical solutions:

[0032] A composite energy harvesting device includes a device body 100, the device body 100 comprising:

[0033] The radio wave energy harvesting module 1 is configured to capture radio wave signals (such as Wi-Fi, LTE, and other radio frequency signals) in the surrounding environment and convert the captured radio wave signals into DC power that can be stored. The radio wave energy harvesting module 1 includes: an RF energy harvester 11 for collecting radio frequency signals, a first rectifier circuit 12 for receiving and converting radio wave signals into DC power, and a voltage regulator 13 for regulating the voltage rectified by the first rectifier circuit 12. Thus, the DC voltage output by the first rectifier circuit 12 can be stabilized through the regulation of the voltage regulator 13, preventing voltage fluctuations and ensuring a constant output voltage value that meets the requirements of the energy storage module 3.

[0034] Vibration energy harvesting module 2 is configured to capture energy from mechanical vibration and convert the captured energy into DC electrical energy that can be stored; in specific implementation, vibration energy harvesting module 2 can be a vibration energy harvesting module that uses piezoelectric materials to obtain electrical energy from mechanical vibration.

[0035] The energy storage module 3 is connected to the radio wave energy harvesting module 1 and the vibration energy harvesting module 2, and is configured to receive and store the DC power converted from these two modules, and provide stable and continuous power support for the device body 100.

[0036] GPS positioning module 5 is configured to acquire the current location information of the device body 100;

[0037] The communication module 6 is configured to realize the communication and transmission of information and data, including sending the location information obtained by the GPS positioning module 5 and other possible data to a remote server or other communication devices; wherein, the communication module 6 is an IoT communication module, which enables IoT devices to efficiently and stably access the network and realize interconnection between devices.

[0038] The processor module 4 is connected to the radio wave energy harvesting module 1, the vibration energy harvesting module 2, the energy storage module 3, the GPS positioning module 5, and the communication module 6. It is configured to coordinate the operation of these modules, ensure the normal operation of the device body, and perform data processing and control operations as needed.

[0039] As described above, the device in this case integrates multiple energy harvesting methods by combining a radio wave energy harvesting module 1 and a vibration energy harvesting module 2, thereby improving energy harvesting efficiency. It also enables the sensor nodes to operate continuously in environments far from conventional power sources, providing a reliable energy supply in remote areas or environments where conventional power is difficult to access, reducing dependence on traditional power sources. Furthermore, compared to solar photovoltaic panels, the vibration energy harvesting module is not limited by lighting conditions. Even in environments with insufficient or no light, the vibration energy harvesting module can still operate, providing continuous energy to the wireless sensor nodes. The energy storage module provides stable power support, enhancing stability. Through the IoT communication module, the location information and other data of the sensor nodes can be sent to a remote server, enabling remote monitoring and management.

[0040] As one specific implementation, the vibration energy harvesting module 2 can be a piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting module or an electromagnetic vibration energy harvesting module.

[0041] like Figure 2 As shown, when the vibration energy harvesting module 2 is a piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting module, it includes a piezoelectric material 211, a piezoelectric element 212, and a second rectifier circuit 213. The piezoelectric material 211 converts mechanical vibration into electrical energy. The piezoelectric element 212 effectively collects and converts the electrical energy generated by the piezoelectric material 211. The second rectifier circuit 213 converts the AC power output by the piezoelectric element 212 into DC power. The piezoelectric material 211 is one of the core components of the vibration energy harvesting module, capable of converting mechanical vibration into electrical energy. When the piezoelectric material is subjected to external pressure or vibration, the positive and negative charge centers within it undergo relative displacement, generating a potential difference, i.e., electrical energy. Common piezoelectric materials include piezoelectric ceramics such as PZT-5 and piezoelectric films. The piezoelectric element can be in the form of a piezoelectric sheet, a piezoelectric cantilever beam, etc., which can amplify and output the weak electrical energy generated by the piezoelectric material. The first and second rectifier circuits are typically composed of diodes or other rectifier devices, which can convert the positive and negative half-waves in the alternating current into the positive and negative poles of the direct current, respectively, for subsequent storage and use.

[0042] like Figure 3 As shown, when the vibration energy harvesting module 2 is an electromagnetic vibration energy harvesting module, it includes: an electromagnetic induction component 221 and a third rectifier circuit 222. The electromagnetic induction component 221 includes a magnet 2211 and a coil 2212. The magnet 2211 moves relative to the coil under mechanical vibration to generate electrical energy. The third rectifier circuit 222 is used to convert the AC electrical energy output by the electromagnetic induction component 221 into DC electrical energy.

[0043] As mentioned above, the vibration energy harvesting module in this solution is divided into two types: piezoelectric and electromagnetic, not limited to one type of vibration harvesting method, thus improving the diversity and adaptability of vibration energy harvesting, especially in environments with abundant vibration sources. Furthermore, it employs highly efficient piezoelectric materials or electromagnetic induction components, enabling efficient conversion of mechanical vibration into electrical energy. Simultaneously, through the design of a rectifier circuit, the generated AC power can be converted into DC power, facilitating subsequent storage and use, improving energy harvesting efficiency, and extending the operating time of the wireless sensing node.

[0044] In one specific implementation, the energy storage module 3 includes: a supercapacitor / lithium battery 31 for storing the collected energy and a battery management chip circuit 32.

[0045] As mentioned above, the energy storage module uses either a supercapacitor or a lithium battery as the storage medium. Supercapacitors can store large amounts of energy in a short time and release them quickly to meet the instantaneous power demands of the wireless sensor node. Lithium batteries, on the other hand, have high energy density and long storage time, providing continuous power to the wireless sensor node for extended periods. This choice of storage medium allows the energy storage module to achieve efficient and flexible energy storage based on the specific application requirements. The energy storage module is equipped with a battery management chip circuit, enabling intelligent management of the storage medium to ensure the safe and stable operation of the wireless sensor node.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the radio wave energy harvesting module 1 further includes:

[0047] The frequency scanning unit 14, connected to the RF energy harvester 11, analyzes the received radio frequency signal and scans for frequencies within a specific range of the signal in real time based on the signal strength. It also sends commands to the RF energy harvester 11 via the processor module 4 based on the scanned frequencies to adjust the antenna or receiving parameters of the RF energy harvester 11 for more efficient signal reception. In specific implementations, the frequency scanning unit is responsible for scanning radio frequency signals of different frequencies and automatically searching for frequencies with strong signals or frequencies within a certain range.

[0048] As described above, the frequency scanning unit can analyze the received radio frequency signals in real time and scan the frequencies within a specific range of the signal based on the signal strength. This allows the device to automatically locate the frequency or frequency range where the signal is strongest, thereby guiding the RF energy harvester to dynamically adjust its antenna or receiving parameters to receive these radio frequency signals more effectively, avoid unnecessary energy loss, and thus improve energy harvesting efficiency and recycling rate.

[0049] The working principle of this case is as follows:

[0050] First, the radio wave energy harvesting module 1 captures radio wave signals from the surrounding environment, such as those from broadcasting, television, and mobile communication base stations, using an RF energy harvester. These signals are converted into AC power by a first rectifier circuit, and then regulated into stable DC power by a voltage regulator. Simultaneously, the vibration energy harvesting module 2 selects either piezoelectric or electromagnetic harvesting methods based on the type of mechanical vibration, converting the vibration into DC power. Both types of DC power are fed into the energy storage module 3, where they are stored in a supercapacitor or lithium battery after voltage regulation. The battery management chip ensures safe and efficient charging and discharging of the battery. When the device requires power, the energy storage module provides stable power support for the entire system. The processor module 4, acting as the control center of the entire system, coordinates the work of each module, including energy harvesting, storage, positioning, and communication. The GPS positioning module 5 acquires the current location information, while the IoT communication module 6 sends this location information and other possible data to a remote server, enabling communication between the device and the remote server or other communication devices. In this way, the device can effectively collect and utilize radio wave and mechanical vibration energy from the environment, while simultaneously achieving precise positioning and remote communication functions.

[0051] The above provides a detailed description of a composite energy harvesting device disclosed in the embodiments of this utility model. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this invention. The description of the above embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this invention. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope based on the ideas of this invention. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.

Claims

1. A composite energy harvesting device comprising a device body (100), characterised in that, The device body (100) comprises: A radio wave energy collection module (1) configured to capture radio wave signals in the surrounding environment and convert the captured radio wave signals into direct current electrical energy for storage; A vibration energy collection module (2) configured to capture energy from mechanical vibration and convert the captured energy into direct current electrical energy for storage; An energy storage module (3) connected to the radio wave energy collection module (1) and the vibration energy collection module (2), configured to receive and store the direct current electrical energy converted from the two modules, and provide stable and continuous power support for the device body (100); A processor module (4) connected to the radio wave energy collection module (1), the vibration energy collection module (2) and the energy storage module (3), configured to coordinate the work of these modules and ensure the normal operation of the device body (100).

2. The compound energy-harvesting device of claim 1, wherein The device body (100) further comprises: A GPS positioning module (5) connected to the processor module (4), configured to obtain the current position information of the device body (100); A communication module (6) connected to the GPS positioning module (5) and the processor module (4), configured to realize the communication transmission of information and data, including sending the position information obtained by the GPS positioning module (5) and other possible data to a remote server or other communication equipment.

3. The compound energy-harvesting device of claim 1, wherein The radio wave energy collection module (1) comprises an RF energy collector (11) for collecting radio frequency signals, a first rectifier circuit (12) for receiving and converting radio wave signals into direct current electrical energy, and a voltage regulator (13) for regulating the voltage rectified by the first rectifier circuit (12).

4. The compound energy-harvesting device of claim 1, wherein The vibration energy collection module (2) is a piezoelectric vibration energy collection module or an electromagnetic vibration energy collection module.

5. The compound energy-harvesting device of claim 4, wherein The piezoelectric vibration energy collection module comprises a piezoelectric material (211), a piezoelectric element (212) and a second rectifier circuit (213), wherein the piezoelectric material (211) can convert mechanical vibration into electrical energy, the piezoelectric element (212) is used to effectively collect and convert the electrical energy generated by the piezoelectric material (211), and the second rectifier circuit (213) is used to convert the alternating current electrical energy output by the piezoelectric element (212) into direct current electrical energy.

6. The compound energy-harvesting device of claim 4, wherein The electromagnetic vibration energy collection module comprises an electromagnetic induction assembly (221) and a third rectifier circuit (222), wherein the electromagnetic induction assembly (221) comprises a magnet (2211) and a coil (2212), the magnet (2211) moves relative to the coil under mechanical vibration to generate electrical energy, and the third rectifier circuit (222) is used to convert the alternating current electrical energy output by the electromagnetic induction assembly (221) into direct current electrical energy.

7. The compound energy-harvesting device of claim 1, wherein The energy storage module (3) comprises a super capacitor / lithium battery (31) for storing collected energy and a battery management chip circuit (32).

8. The compound energy-harvesting device of claim 3, wherein The radio wave energy collection module (1) further comprises: a frequency scanning unit (14) connected to the RF energy harvester (11) for analyzing the received radio frequency signals and automatically searching for frequencies within a signal specific range based on signal strength and sending instructions to the RF energy harvester (11) through the processor module (4) to adjust the antenna or reception parameters of the RF energy harvester (11).

9. The compound energy-harvesting device of claim 2, wherein, The communication module is an IoT communication module.