Cambridge Enterprise Limited

Yu Jia

Ashwin Arunkuman Seshia

Kenichi Soga

Jize Yan

Ashwin Arunkumar Seshia

Sijun Du

An apparatus is provided for harvesting energy from mechanical vibrations with an improved power output. The apparatus comprises a frame (), a first member () comprising a piezoelectric material, a cantilever beam () and an electrode. The first member is fixed to the frame at a first position and a second position and extends between the first and second positions. The cantilever beam has a first end fixed to the first member between the first position and the second position and a second end fixed to a proof mass (). The electrode is fixed to the first member at a position between the first position and the second position. In another aspect, the apparatus may comprise a plurality of proof masses connected to the first member between the first and second positions in a spaced relationship to one another.

Vibration-based energy harvester with strain optimised topology

An energy harvester is provided for harvesting energy, and in particular electrical energy from an input vibration such as an ambient vibration. The energy harvester comprises a first mechanical amplifier responsive to the input vibration and a second mechanical amplifier coupled to the first mechanical amplifier. At least one of the first and second mechanical amplifiers comprises a parametric resonator, and a power output of the energy harvester is generated by damping the second mechanical amplifier.

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Cambridge, United Kingdom

Yu Jia