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Content archived on 2024-06-16

VIBES - Vibration energy scavenging

Objective

Over the years there has been a growing interest in the field of miniature wireless sensors such as body worn health monitoring sensors, embedded sensors in automotive applications or buildings. One specific topic that has received little attention is how to supply the required electrical power to such sensors. Many applications require such sensors to be completely embedded in the structure or clothing with no physical connection to the outside world. As a result they need to have their own power supply unit. Miniaturization possibilities are offered by using a thin film micro battery; however the device lifetime still depends on its energy storage capacity. Micro generators offer the solution to this problem, adding to microsystems the ability of recharging their energy storage by converting energy from the external environment to electrical power.

The aim of our project is the conception of such a micro generator. Within the different forms of energy available (heat, light, radiations, vibrations), we will focus on the mechanical vibrations and movements. The main goals of the project will be to use state of the art micro fabrication techniques to build some mm scale micro power generators. The focus of projects technical developments will be on two transduction principles: electromagnetism and piezoelectricity.

An important part of the project will be dedicated to the design of specific power controllers that will convert the electrical output from the generators to charging voltages for electrical energy storage or voltages to power the micro system. Because of the nature of the vibrations received by the system in terms of frequency and intensity, some mechanical coupler will be developed for the adaptation of the generators to different possible applications and their relative vibration spectra. Finally the developed micro generators, power controller and mechanical coupler will prove their performance in a demonstrator.

Topic(s)

Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.

Call for proposal

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Funding Scheme

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STREP - Specific Targeted Research Project

Coordinator

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON
EU contribution
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Address
HIGHFIELD
SO17 1BJ SOUTHAMPTON
United Kingdom

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Total cost

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Participants (8)

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