Hybridization of magnetism and piezoelectricity for an energy scavenger based on temporal variation of temperature

Autonomous microsystems are confronted today to a major challenge: the one of energy supply. Energy scavenging, i.e. collecting energy from the ambient environment has been developed to answer this problematic. Various sources have already been successfully used (solar, vibration). This article presents temporal variations of temperature as a new source of exploitable energy. A brief review will take place at the beginning, exposing the different approaches used in the past. Then we will focus our attention on hybridization of magnetism and piezoelectricity. A new kind of thermal generator is proposed and a preliminary model is exposed. Conclusions will be drawn on the suitability of this prototype and the improvements that are needed to increase its potential.