Non-resonant bi-stable frequency-increased power scavenger from low-frequency ambient vibration

This paper reports the design, fabrication, and testing of an inertial micropower scavenger that utilizes the bi-stable motion of a mechanical mass to convert a board range of low-frequency (<30 Hz), and large-deflection (>250 mum) ambient vibrations into high-frequency electrical output energy. The generator incorporates a novel bi-stable mechanical structure to initiate high-frequency mechanical oscillations in an electromagnetic scavenger. This frequency up-conversion technique enhances the electromechanical coupling and increases the generated power. The fabricated device has a volume of 3.7 cm³. It generated a peak power of 558 muW and an average power of 39.5 muW at an input acceleration of 1g applied at 10 Hz.