Electrostatic energy harvester based on multiple variable capacitors

Abstract

This paper presents an electrostatic harvester of vibration energy based on multiple variable capacitors. Conventional electrostatic energy harvesters rely on a single variable capacitor working when driven by vibrations of sufficient amplitude and frequency. The proposed harvester is suitable for applications with low vibration amplitude and frequency because it can start in lower vibration conditions without increasing the size of the device. A harvester prototype based on four variable capacitors was developed, and its performance was measured and analyzed.