Adaptive Pendulum Oscillator for Broadband Resonance Tracking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy harvesters either perform poorly at broadband frequencies or narrowband frequencies, with linear static harvesters degrading when frequency shifts and nonlinear static harvesters underperforming when a specific frequency is present, leading to a tradeoff between broadband harvesting and signal amplification.
Innovation Solution
A resonance-tracking broadband energy harvester using a pendulum adaptive frequency oscillator with an adjustable pendulum rod and control circuitry to adjust its length based on sensed forcing frequency, converting oscillations to electrical energy via piezoelectric elements, allowing for large amplitude vibrations over a range of frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If linear static harvesters are used, then narrowband frequency harvesting is achieved, but performance degrades when frequency shifts occur
Solution Approach 1:
The pendulum rod length is made dynamically adjustable through an actuator mechanism, allowing the system to transition from a static narrowband harvester to a dynamic broadband harvester that can adapt its natural frequency by changing the pendulum length in response to varying excitation frequencies
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameter of pendulum rod length to adjust the natural frequency of the oscillator, enabling tracking of resonance conditions across a broad frequency range and maintaining high harvesting efficiency under varying operational conditions
2Adaptability or versatility
If nonlinear static harvesters are used, then broadband frequency harvesting is achieved, but signal amplification performance underperforms
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a dynamic adjustment mechanism that actively modifies the pendulum rod length in real-time, allowing the oscillator to maintain resonance with the excitation frequency and achieve large amplitude vibrations for high power output across broadband frequencies
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuitry senses the excitation frequency and provides feedback to the actuator to adjust the pendulum rod length accordingly, enabling the system to track resonance conditions and maintain optimal amplitude response across varying frequencies
3Adaptability or versatility
If pendulum rod length is made adjustable, then resonance tracking capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the excitation frequency itself as the control signal for adjustment, where the sensed forcing frequency directly drives the actuator to modify the pendulum rod length, eliminating the need for complex external control algorithms or additional sensors
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The pendulum adaptive frequency oscillator effectively tracks resonance conditions to maintain large amplitude vibrations across broadband frequencies, enhancing energy harvesting efficiency by adapting to external vibratory sources without pre-processing, offering a smart energy harvesting solution.
Implementation Method 1
Oscillation of the pendulum adaptive frequency oscillator can be converted to electrical energy. The electrical energy can be harvested via one or more piezoelectric elements.
Implementation Method 2
The length of the adjustable pendulum rod can be adjusted for resonant operation at the sensed forcing frequency.
Data Source
AI summary
Various examples are provided related to resonance tracking broadband energy harvesting. In one example, a resonance tracking energy harvester includes a pendulum adaptive frequency oscillator including an adjustable pendulum rod and control circuitry that can adjust a length of the adjustable pendulum rod in response to a sensed forcing frequency. In another example, a method of resonance tracking energy harvesting, includes sensing a forcing frequency applied to a pendulum adaptive frequency oscillator comprising an adjustable pendulum rod; and adjusting a length of the adjustable pendulum rod in response to the sensed forcing frequency. Oscillation and/or vibration of the pendulum adaptive frequency oscillator can be converted.