Vibration Energy Powers Wireless Devices

June 13, 2006
Perpetuum has launched a vibration-energy harvester to power wireless and battery-free devices that can send large amounts of data from many types of industrial equipment. The PMG7 microgenerator lets users power sensors, microprocessors, and transmitters

Perpetuum has launched a vibration-energy harvester to power wireless and battery-free devices that can send large amounts of data from many types of industrial equipment (see figure). The PMG7 microgenerator lets users power sensors, microprocessors, and transmitters for monitoring the condition of plant equipment and machinery without the need for batteries, cabling, or maintenance.

The microgenerator converts kinetic energy from the vibration of the equipment running at mains frequency (50 or 60 Hz) into electrical energy. It can generate up to 5 mW, which is enough to power a wireless transmitter sending up to 6 kbytes of data every few minutes, or smaller amounts of data—such as a temperature reading—several times a second. This practical device also can operate in most industrial environments and at minimal vibration levels (25 mg).

The microgenerator isn’t hard to install. Simply screw it into place or hold it in place with magnets. It then can be left in place with no need for maintenance.

RLW Inc. of State College, Pa., selected the Perpetuum microgenerator to power its wireless sensor nodes. In addition, field trials with Yorkshire Water, the U.S. Navy, and a major international oil company have proven the PMG7 a practical tool for continuous monitoring of plant and machinery.

Perpetuum Ltd.
http://www.perpetuum.com/

Sponsored Recommendations

Highly Integrated 20A Digital Power Module for High Current Applications

March 20, 2024
Renesas latest power module delivers the highest efficiency (up to 94% peak) and fast time-to-market solution in an extremely small footprint. The RRM12120 is ideal for space...

Empowering Innovation: Your Power Partner for Tomorrow's Challenges

March 20, 2024
Discover how innovation, quality, and reliability are embedded into every aspect of Renesas' power products.

Article: Meeting the challenges of power conversion in e-bikes

March 18, 2024
Managing electrical noise in a compact and lightweight vehicle is a perpetual obstacle

Power modules provide high-efficiency conversion between 400V and 800V systems for electric vehicles

March 18, 2024
Porsche, Hyundai and GMC all are converting 400 – 800V today in very different ways. Learn more about how power modules stack up to these discrete designs.

Comments

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Electronic Design, create an account today!