Reverse Electrowetting-on-Dielectric Energy Harvesting Integrated With Charge Amplifier and Rectifier for Self-Powered Motion Sensors

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pashupati R. Adhikari ◽  
Nishat T. Tasneem ◽  
Dipon K. Biswas ◽  
Russell C. Reid ◽  
Ifana Mahbub

Abstract This paper presents a reverse electrowetting-on-dielectric (REWOD) energy harvester integrated with rectifier, boost converter, and charge amplifier that is, without bias voltage, capable of powering wearable sensors for monitoring human health in real-time. REWOD has been demonstrated to effectively generate electrical current at a low frequency range (< 3 Hz), which is the frequency range for various human activities such as walking, running, etc. However, the current generated from the REWOD without external bias source is insufficient to power such motion sensors. In this work, to eventually implement a fully self-powered motion sensor, we demonstrate a novel bias-free REWOD AC generation and then rectify, boost, and amplify the signal using commercial components. The unconditioned REWOD output of 95–240 mV AC is generated using a 50 μL droplet of 0.5M NaCl electrolyte and 2.5 mm of electrode displacement from an oscillation frequency range of 1–3 Hz. A seven-stage rectifier using Schottky diodes having a forward voltage drop of 135–240 mV and a forward current of 1 mA converts the generated AC signal to DC voltage. ∼3 V DC is measured at the boost converter output, proving the system could function as a self-powered motion sensor. Additionally, a linear relationship of output DC voltage with respect to frequency and displacement demonstrates the potential of this REWOD energy harvester to function as a self-powered wearable motion sensor.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pashupati Adhikari ◽  
Nishat T. Tasneem ◽  
Dipon K. Biswas ◽  
Russell C. Reid ◽  
Ifana Mahbub

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pashupati R. Adhikari ◽  
Nishat T. Tasneem ◽  
Russell C. Reid ◽  
Ifana Mahbub

AbstractIncreasing demand for self-powered wearable sensors has spurred an urgent need to develop energy harvesting systems that can reliably and sufficiently power these devices. Within the last decade, reverse electrowetting-on-dielectric (REWOD)-based mechanical motion energy harvesting has been developed, where an electrolyte is modulated (repeatedly squeezed) between two dissimilar electrodes under an externally applied mechanical force to generate an AC current. In this work, we explored various combinations of electrolyte concentrations, dielectrics, and dielectric thicknesses to generate maximum output power employing REWOD energy harvester. With the objective of implementing a fully self-powered wearable sensor, a “zero applied-bias-voltage” approach was adopted. Three different concentrations of sodium chloride aqueous solutions (NaCl-0.1 M, NaCl-0.5 M, and NaCl-1.0 M) were used as electrolytes. Likewise, electrodes were fabricated with three different dielectric thicknesses (100 nm, 150 nm, and 200 nm) of Al2O3 and SiO2 with an additional layer of CYTOP for surface hydrophobicity. The REWOD energy harvester and its electrode–electrolyte layers were modeled using lumped components that include a resistor, a capacitor, and a current source representing the harvester. Without using any external bias voltage, AC current generation with a power density of 53.3 nW/cm2 was demonstrated at an external excitation frequency of 3 Hz with an optimal external load. The experimental results were analytically verified using the derived theoretical model. Superior performance of the harvester in terms of the figure-of-merit comparing previously reported works is demonstrated. The novelty of this work lies in the combination of an analytical modeling method and experimental validation that together can be used to increase the REWOD harvested power extensively without requiring any external bias voltage.


2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 035001 ◽  
Author(s):  
Min-Ook Kim ◽  
Soonjae Pyo ◽  
Yongkeun Oh ◽  
Yunsung Kang ◽  
Kyung-Ho Cho ◽  
...  

Author(s):  
Davide Castagnetti ◽  
Federico Dallari

Efficient conversion of ambient energy, being intrinsically variable and in the low frequency range is a fundamental issue for the development of self-powered electronic systems. Simple and reliable solutions are based on piezoelectric or electromagnetic transducers. This work presents an innovative electromagnetic vibration-based energy converter, relying on two counteracting slotted disc springs, which originate a low stiffness mechanical system under a given preload. The electromagnetic converter, involving cylindrical permanent magnets, features coils with a peculiar ‘8’ loop configuration, on opposite sides of the magnets. The prototype was built with commercial components and purposely developed parts, manufactured through rapid prototyping. The experimental validation highlights an excellent response, both in terms of the multi-frequency behaviour and with regard to the significant power output also at low input accelerations.


Author(s):  
Hesam Sharghi ◽  
Jean-François Daneault ◽  
Onur Bilgen

Abstract Wearable motion sensors find a great number of applications in the biomedical field by recording real-time movements and transferring data to mobile electronics. Patients with hyperkinetic movements is a group of interest for such sensors to survey their conditions for long periods. Longer and more frequent recording intervals are necessary to diagnose and treat patients’ disease. Mobile battery-operated motion sensors have a limited recording span, and they need to be charged frequently, which is inconvenient for most of the patients. In this study, vibration energy harvesters are employed to extend the battery life of motion sensors: one step closer to make autonomous sensors without chargers. A vibration energy harvester is designed for a motion sensor to harvest energy from involuntary movements of patients with hyperkinetic movements. An analytical model for charging and discharging cycles is developed to predict the battery life based on the amount of harvested power. Preliminary data from commercial devices are used as a foundation for the design and the current feasibility study.


Energies ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (17) ◽  
pp. 5373
Author(s):  
Xiaoya Sun ◽  
Haruchika Iijima ◽  
Stefano Saggini ◽  
Yasushi Takemura

This paper introduces a new method of electricity generation using a Wiegand sensor. The Wiegand sensor consists of a magnetic wire and a pickup coil wound around it. This sensor generates a pulse voltage of approximately 5 V and 20 µs width as an induced voltage in the pickup coil. The aim of this study is to generate a DC voltage of 5 V from the sensor, which is expected to be used as a power source in self-powered devices and battery-less modules. We report on the design and verification of a self-oscillating boost converter circuit in this paper. A DC voltage obtained by rectifying and smoothing the pulse voltage generated from the Wiegand sensor was boosted by the circuit. A stable DC output voltage in the order of 5 V for use as a power supply in electronics modules was successfully obtained. A quantitative analysis of the power generated by the Wiegand sensor revealed a suitable voltage–current range for application in self-powered devices and battery-less modules.


Nano Energy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 83 ◽  
pp. 105848
Author(s):  
Nirmal Prashanth Maria Joseph Raj ◽  
Gaurav Khandelwal ◽  
Sang-Jae Kim

2011 ◽  
Vol 59 (4) ◽  
pp. 555-559
Author(s):  
K. Zymmer ◽  
P. Mazurek

Comparative investigation of SiC and Si power electronic devices operating at high switching frequencyThe paper presents results of measurements of the reverse recovery current and dynamic forward voltage of the silicon carbide (SiC) Schottky diodes operating at a 500 A/μs current slope. These data were compared with the corresponding parameters determined for ultrafast silicon (Si) diodes. Results of power losses measurement in SiC Schottky diodes operating at switching frequency range of (10-200) kHz are presented and compared with corresponding data of ultrafast Si diodes. Also, results of power losses measurements in transistors of dc voltage switch are shown. Investigations were conducted with a SiC and the ultrafast Si freewheeling diode at the transistor switching frequency of 100 kHz. The results of measuring power losses dissipated in the dc converter with a SiC Schottky diode and the ultrafast silicon diode are also presented.


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