Energies (Oct 2021)

A Review on Kinetic Energy Harvesting with Focus on 3D Printed Electromagnetic Vibration Harvesters

  • Philipp Gawron,
  • Thomas M. Wendt,
  • Lukas Stiglmeier,
  • Nikolai Hangst,
  • Urban B. Himmelsbach

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/en14216961
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 14, no. 21
p. 6961

Abstract

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The increasing amount of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and wearables require a reliable energy source. Energy harvesting can power these devices without changing batteries. Three-dimensional printing allows us to manufacture tailored harvesting devices in an easy and fast way. This paper presents the development of hybrid and non-hybrid 3D printed electromagnetic vibration energy harvesters. Various harvesting approaches, their utilised geometry, functional principle, power output and the applied printing processes are shown. The gathered harvesters are analysed, challenges examined and research gaps in the field identified. The advantages and challenges of 3D printing harvesters are discussed. Reported applications and strategies to improve the performance of printed harvesting devices are presented.

Keywords