Linear electromagnetic electric generator for harvesting vibration energy at frequencies more than 50 Hz

Abstract

This study proposes a linear electromagnetic generator that can harvest vibration energy from a transformer and supply electricity to a monitoring system. The sensor system delivers voltage and electricity information from a transformer and it usually requires a battery that must be replaced periodically. These result in high costs, working hours, and manpower, and workers may sometimes face very dangerous situations, especially when a transformer is located in a mountainous area or an elevated position that cannot be accessed easily. The transformer vibrates at a frequency of approximately 50 Hz or higher. In this study, a linear electromagnetic generator was designed to analyze and harvest this vibration energy. A prototype was produced and its performance was tested, which showed that more than 100 mW of electricity could be produced, which is the minimum amount required for the electricity analysis system.