Human Generated Power: Design of a Kinetic Energy Scavenger

Several micro-generators have been developed in order to convert various forms of energy produced during environmental processes or human activities to electrical energy. This book examines the development of a device able to scavenge kinetic energy produced by daily human activities in order to provide adequate energy for charging the battery of a mobile apparatus. Several factors must be taken into account during the steps of the design process. The most appropriate type and design of the generator have been selected and optimized. The operation of the proposed device has been simulated by a model developed in SIMULINK including all the interacting mechanical and electrical subsystems. Various considerations have been stated about the performance of the device and further improvements that can be made. Useful construction guidelines are also cited at the end of the book. The present book comprises a valuable tool for students, researchers and academics of mechanical and electrical engineering who deal with the design, evaluation and construction of low power generators. The described process can also be applied in electrical machines of a larger scale.