3D Printed Miniature Water Turbine with Integrated Discrete Electronic Elements for Energy Harvesting and Water Flow Measurement

Abstract

An energy harvester fabricated by inkjet 3D printing and utilizing miniature water flow turbine with integrated mechanical and electrical components is shown. Flexibility of 3D printing design enables integration of electronic component with mechanical turbine and building of smaller and less complicated harvester than reported in literature. Turbine (ED 25.4 mm (1") and 14 mm long) is able to generate maximum 4 mW for 14 L/min of water flow and gives 0.7 V output voltage for optimal loading resistance (RL=55Ω). The harvester itself may be used as a self-suppling water-flow, zero-energetic sensor in the distributed nets of water consumption measurement.