MEMS-BASED WASTE VIBRATIONAL ENERGY HARVESTERS

Presented by LT Daniel Hogue USN, LTJG Sarah Gregory USN

Abstract: The piezoelectric effect is a phenomenon where stress on a piezoelectric crystal structure causes potential difference at its ends. By merging piezoelectric materials and micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS), mechanical vibration could cause the necessary displacement in MEMS to create a voltage that could be used to power electronic devices. Developing new sustainable energy sources and using energy more efficiently is at the forefront of several research initiatives, and is a clear priority for the Department of the Navy’s strategic planning. This thesis aims to design a vibrational energy harvesting MEMS device that will harness vibrational waste energy to produce usable power for naval applications. The development and widespread use of vibrational harvesting MEMS would aid the effort to meet each of these goals in the Department of the Navy. Any shore based, seagoing, or expeditionary mechanical platform could serve as a kinetic energy source for vibration energy harvesting MEMS. This would increase current efficiencies of petroleum-based electricity as these energy harvesters could support low power consuming devices, and ultimately increase the Department of Navy’s energy security. This thesis investigates the underlying physics, materials needed, design requirements, computer modeling, optimization, and micro-fabrication process in the creation of such a device.

Point of Contact:

rharkins@nps.edu

Added:

Jun 28, 2013

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