Pendulum Energy Harvesters: A Review

Abstract

In recent years, energy harvesters using pendulum systems have often been applied in ultra-low-frequency environments, such as ocean waves, human motion, and structural vibration. To illustrate the research progress in pendulum-type energy harvesting, a comprehensive review is provided in the present study. Specifically, single- and double-pendulum energy harvesters based on different energy-conversion mechanisms are separately grouped. In addition, different improvement techniques and design schemes used in studies on pendulum energy harvesters are summarized. Theoretical studies have explored the dynamic characteristics of single and double pendulums. Various key aspects, including the fundamental mechanisms, optimization methods, core structures, and applications, to improve the performance of single- and double-pendulum energy harvesters are discussed. Finally, several potential research directions and applications are proposed.