Some harvesting system transforming energy wastes of compressed air to electricity

Abstract

Energy harvesting devices are self-powered systems which are associated with input ambient energy and convert such energy to electrical one. In this study, we focus on input ambient energy deriving from compressed air. Using arbitrary pneumatic machine, the compressed air after work - with its typical parameters as overpressure 6 bar or higher and variable volume flow - is exhausted to atmosphere. This generates energy losses. We have constructed some device which transforms the loss of compressed air energy to electricity. It illustrates the principle of action very well and does not perturb operation of pneumatic machines being source of energy losses.