Single stage AC-DC converter for Galfenol-based micro-power energy harvesters

Peyton Cavaroc; Chandra Curtis; Suketu Naik; James Cooper

doi:10.1117/12.2050453

5 June 2014 Single stage AC-DC converter for Galfenol-based micro-power energy harvesters

Peyton Cavaroc, Chandra Curtis, Suketu Naik, James Cooper

Proceedings Volume 9115, Energy Harvesting and Storage: Materials, Devices, and Applications V; 91150S (2014) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2050453
Event: SPIE Sensing Technology + Applications, 2014, Baltimore, MD, United States

Abstract

Military based sensor systems are often hindered in operational deployment and/or other capabilities due to limitations in their energy storage elements. Typically operating from lithium based batteries, there is a finite amount of stored energy which the sensor can use to collect and transmit data. As a result, the sensors have reduced sensing and transmission rates. However, coupled with the latest advancements in energy harvesting, these sensors could potentially operate at standard sensing and transition rates as well as dramatically extend lifetimes. Working with the magnetostrictive material Galfenol, we demonstrate the production of enough energy to supplement and recharge a solid state battery thereby overcoming the deficiencies faced by unattended sensors. As with any vibration-based energy harvester, this solution produces an alternating current which needs to be rectified and boosted to a level conducive to recharge the storage element. This paper presents a power converter capable of efficiently converting an ultra-low AC voltage to a solid state charging voltage of 4.1VDC. While we are working with Galfenol transducers as our energy source, this converter may also be applied with any AC producing energy harvester, particularly at operating levels less than 2mW and 200mVAC.

Citation Download Citation

Peyton Cavaroc, Chandra Curtis, Suketu Naik, and James Cooper "Single stage AC-DC converter for Galfenol-based micro-power energy harvesters", Proc. SPIE 9115, Energy Harvesting and Storage: Materials, Devices, and Applications V, 91150S (5 June 2014); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2050453

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