Obtaining a broadband magneto-mechano-electric generator with large power for IoT operation

Abstract

Magneto-mechano-electric (MME) generators play a significant role in powering Internet of Things (IoT) sensor devices. MME generators are typically designed to operate at a fixed resonance frequency under AC magnetic fields. However, under certain environmental changes, the resonance frequency of the generators deviates from the natural frequency of the magnetic sources, resulting in a significant decrease in the output performance. Furthermore, the power harvested from magnetic sources is insufficient to continuously power IoT sensors without interruption. In this study, a synergetic approach is developed to obtain very high power over a wide bandwidth of around 60 Hz practical frequency using a magnetic flux concentrator (MFC). The strong interaction between the MME generator and MFC resulted in a wide bandwidth of 57–61.5 Hz while maintaining a large power under different magnetic fields. The MME generator can simultaneously operate nine different wireless sensors and data communication systems continuously, without recharging the capacitor. Finally, we demonstrate the successful powering of integrated IoT sensors consisting of temperature and humidity sensors with data communication systems by exploiting the magnetic energy around home appliances.