Energy harvesting for aerospace: Application possibilities

Abstract

This paper deals with the state of art in the field of energy harvesting systems. The paper mainly aims to the novel field of energy harvesting systems utilized in aerospace environment. Their most prospective applications in zero-power sensors and backup power sources for low-power systems are outlined and discussed. Vibration and thermoelectric energy harvesters are presented as a most suitable alternative low-power sources for aerospace applications. Consequently, the system-level architecture of zero-power sensor and backup power source are described. Practical realization of energy harvesting systems for aerospace is shown on case studies of devices developed at the Brno University of Technology.