A novel energy harvesting actuator for self-powered environmental sensors

Abstract

This publication presents a novel actuator which makes use of temperature-dependent phase change to convert diurnal temperature variations into a variable force for energy harvesting. The developed actuator can be tuned in a variety of ways to maximise its energy output in any given environment, and paves the way towards a truly location-agnostic energy harvesting solution. Utilising this solution, initial testing indicates that up to 1.5 J of energy is available from a 20°C change in environmental temperature.