Inkjet 3D Printed Miniature Water Turbine Energy Harvester-Flow Meter for Distributed Measurement Systems

Abstract

An energy harvester fabricated by inkjet 3D printing based on miniature water flow turbine with mechanical and electrical components necessary for electrical energy generation is shown. Turbine (outside diameter 25.4 mm (1") and 14 mm length) is able to generate electric power of 4 mW for 14 L/min of water flow and it gives 0.7 V for optimal load resistance (RL = 55 Ω). The harvester itself may be used as self-suppling water-flow, zero-energetic sensor in the distributed nets of water consumption measurement.

3D Printed Flowmeter Based on Venturi Effect with Integrated Pressure Sensors

“…It limits geometry of the microfluidic structure and complicates technology of the sensor. Therefore new technologies of sensors fabrication [4], microfluidic structures [5] and integrated systems [6] are developed. One of them is 3D printing.…”

“…Smallest channels are heavy to fabricate due to limited printer resolution and possibility of support material removing. Designing flexibility and truly 3D geometry enables easy integration of sensing electronics element inside a structure of a chip [6]. This feature enable to build smaller and more integrated device.…”