WSURF Case 911
Tunable Vibration Harvesting via Piezoelectric Membranes
WSU researchers have developed piezoelectric energy harvesting devices for applications aimed to convert human motion, low-frequency vibrations and acoustic noise into electrical energy.
This technology uses a resonating mass-spring device to convert some of the mechanical energy imparted to it from an external vibrating energy source to electrical energy, which is useful for low-power sensing and information transmission applications.
Ambient vibrations exist at frequencies in the 10’s to 100’s of Hz. Power harvesting is optimized at resonant frequencies of the device. The resonant frequency can be varied over a wide range – achieving flexible and complete frequency tunability.
Future Applications
The ability to power sensor nodes and transmission systems requires a non-battery solution. Vibration harvesting is critical to military and civilian infrastructure operations.
IP Status
This technology is patent-pending and available for licensing.
For more information about this technology please contact WSURF:
1610 NE Eastgate Blvd, Suite 650
Pullman, WA 99164
Phone: (509) 335-5526
Fax: (509) 335-7237
wsurf@wsu.edu
