A Free-Standing Electromagnetic Energy Harvester for Condition Monitoring in Smart Grid

Abstract

Wireless energy harvesting is an effective way to power condition monitoring sensors which are the basis of smart grid. In this paper, a new free-standing I-shaped core is designed to scavenge electromagnetic energy from large alternating current. An I-shaped core can guide more magnetic flux by adding a pair of magnetic flux collector plates at both ends of the rod core. It weakens the core demagnetization field and enables more energy to be collected. Since a magnetic field line can be bent with high-permeability soft magnetic materials, a highly efficient grid-shaped coil is proposed. Compared with the I-shaped coil, its weight is lighter and power density is higher. A Mn-Zn ferrite with high relative permeability and ultralow conductivity can effectively reduce eddy current loss, which proves to be the most suitable material. The measured open circuit voltage agrees well with the theoretical value. The experimental results show that the output power can reach 4.5 mW when the I-shaped coil is placed in a magnetic flux density of 6.5 μTrms. The power density is 7.28 μW/cm3. Therefore, the proposed design can be very effective for supplying condition monitoring sensors.

Energy Harvesting Methods for Transmission Lines: A Comprehensive Review

“…Figure 4 shows the basic principle for energy harvesting from the magnetic field generated by power lines. Similar designs are found in numerous scientific works [59,[69][70][71][72][73][74].…”

Compact, robust, and regulated-output hybrid generators for magnetic energy harvesting and self-powered sensing applications in power transmission lines

“…Self-powered technology effectively converts environmental energy into electricity, addressing the persistent power supply challenges faced by grid sensors. 2 Solar cells [3][4][5] and CT [6][7][8][9][10][11] energy harvesters are the go-to technologies for power grids. While solar cells offer impressive output, their size and weight limit their use in high-voltage towers.…”

Numerical Simulation on Electromagnetic Energy Harvester Oscillated by Speed Ripple of AC Motors

“…The present study proposes a new method to eliminate the external power supply by operating the IPMSM as an electromagnetic energy harvester. Energy harvesting techniques have been developed in the past decade, including piezoelectric [11][12][13] and electromagnetic [14][15][16]. However, no literature has noted that the torque ripple of a motor can be a source of energy for vibration power generation.…”