Analysis, design & simulation of an electromechanical energy harvesting system using a linear movement

This paper proposes the theoretical analysis, design and simulation of an energy recovery system which has the potential to harvest energy from a linear movement such as, for example, the movement that occurs between the wheel and the body of a vehicle. The geometry of the proposed power harvesting system was planed in order to obtain a reliable device, thus enabling it to be integrated into a real vehicle or other industrial equipment. Simulation results (finite-elements method) show a good correlation with the theoretical study. Even if, for the moment, the amount of energy is small, this system is able to supply electrical energy for sensors or small embedded systems. Future work will be to improve the system´s efficiency and develop an energy management system.