Electrostatic Energy Harvester With Overlapping Cross Beams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vibrational energy harvesting technologies, such as linear resonators, are inefficient when the vibrating frequency of the external environment deviates from the resonating frequency, limiting their effectiveness in energy conversion.
Innovation Solution
An electrostatic energy harvester and method that utilize two oscillatory systems with overlapping conductive cross beams and mass blocks, where an electret layer induces charges, forming a plane-parallel capacitor, allowing for the measurement of inherent frequencies and vibration within a specific frequency range to enhance energy harvesting efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a linear resonator is used to harvest vibrational energy, then energy harvesting efficiency is improved at the resonating frequency, but energy harvesting effectiveness deteriorates when the vibrating frequency deviates from the resonating frequency
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the energy harvesting system into multiple independent oscillatory systems (first oscillatory system with first cross beam and first mass block, second oscillatory system with second cross beam and second mass block), each tuned to different resonating frequencies. This segmentation allows the system to harvest energy effectively across a broader frequency range by having multiple resonance peaks rather than a single narrow peak.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite structure combining conductive cross beams, mass blocks, and an electret layer to create a multi-frequency oscillatory system. The electret layer serves as a dielectric material that enables electrostatic energy conversion in both oscillatory systems, creating a composite energy harvesting device that leverages the properties of different materials to achieve broad frequency adaptability.
2Power
If the vibrating frequency matches the resonating frequency, then energy conversion efficiency is maximized, but the system becomes sensitive to frequency shifts and loses effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a dynamic energy harvesting system where two oscillatory systems with different natural frequencies operate simultaneously. As the external vibration frequency changes, one or both oscillatory systems can respond effectively, providing dynamic adaptability. The system transitions from a static single-resonance design to a dynamic multi-resonance design that automatically adjusts to frequency variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the key parameter of resonating frequency from a single fixed value to multiple discrete values by designing two oscillatory systems with different mass-block-to-beam ratios and dimensions. This parameter change allows the system to maintain high energy conversion efficiency across a wider frequency spectrum, reducing sensitivity to frequency shifts.
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
Expands the frequency bandwidth for energy harvesting, improving the efficiency of vibrational energy conversion by maintaining a high root-mean-square power output across a broader frequency range.
Implementation Method 1
when the electret layer (106) is charged, corresponding inductive charges are induced on both of the first cross beam (102) and the second cross beam (103)
Data Source
AI summary
An electrostatic energy collector and an electrostatic energy collecting method. The electrostatic energy collector comprises: a vibrating table (101), the vibrating table being fixedly connected to a first end of a first cross beam (102) and a first end of a second cross beam (103), the first cross beam being parallel to the second cross beam, a vertical projection of the first cross beam being overlapped with that of the second cross beam, both of the first cross beam and the second cross beam being conductors, a first mass block (104) being fixedly arranged on the first cross beam, an electret layer (106) being coated at the side, close to the first cross beam, of the second cross beam, a second mass block (105) being fixed at the sided, facing away from the first cross beam, of the second cross beam, a first lead (107) being connected to the first cross beam and a first end of a load (109), and a second lead (108) being connected to the cross beam and a second end of the load. The electrostatic energy collector and the electrostatic energy collecting method can improve energy connection efficiency.