Hybridization of Magnetism and Piezoelectricity for an Energy Scavenger based on Temporal Variation of Temperature

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel thermal energy scavenger that combines magnetism and piezoelectricity to harness ambient temperature variations for powering autonomous microsystems.

Contribution

It proposes a new hybrid thermal generator based on magnetism and piezoelectricity, along with a preliminary model and analysis of its potential.

Findings

Preliminary model shows feasibility of hybrid energy scavenger.

Hybrid device can potentially harvest ambient temperature variations.

Further improvements needed for practical application.

Abstract

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.