A continuously rotating energy harvester with maximum power point tracking

Abstract

In this paper, we analyse and demonstrate an energy-harvesting generator powered by continuous rotation, using gravitational torque to enable a single point of attachment. The electro-mechanical behaviour of the generator is presented, alongside experimental results from an implementation based on a conventional dc motor. The off-axis performance is also modelled. The design and experimental results for an adaptive power processing circuit are also presented, as the first demonstration of maximum power point tracking for a motion energy harvester. © 2008 IOP Publishing Ltd.