Method and apparatus for motional/vibrational energy harvesting via electromagnetic induction using a magnet array
US9041230B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 15, 2010 |
| Grant date | May 26, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 1, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02K35/04
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Embodiments of the subject invention pertain to a method and apparatus for vibrational energy harvesting via electromagnetic induction using a magnet array. Specific embodiments of the subject invention incorporate at least one conductive coil and at least one magnet array. Magnets used in such magnet arrays can be permanent magnets of various shapes, such as arc-shaped, square, rectangular, wedge, or trapezoidal. These magnet arrays can then be, for example, circular, hexagonal, rectangular, or square in external shape and create various types of internal magnetic fields, such as dipole, quadrupole, hexapole, or octapole magnetic fields. Through use of a magnet array, embodiments of the invention can increase the strength of magnetic fields by approximately 10 times compared to typical vibrational energy harvesters. The 10 time increase in the strength of the magnetic fields can result in up to a 100-fold increase in power. Preferably, the magnetic fields created by the subject device are substantially, if not completely, enclosed within the device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.