A comprehensive review of miniatured wind energy harvesters

Abstract

Following the current rapid development of the Internet of Things (IoT) and wireless condition monitoring systems, energy harvesters which use ambient energy have become a key part of achieving an energy-autonomous system. Miniature wind energy harvesters have attracted widespread attention because of their great potential of power density as well as the rich availability of wind energy in many possible areas of application. This article provides readers with a glimpse into the state-of-the-art of miniature wind energy harvesters. The crucial factors for them to achieve high working efficiency under lower operational wind speed excitation are analyzed. Various potential energy coupling mechanisms are discussed in detail. Design approaches for broadening operational wind-speed-range given a variety of energy coupling mechanisms are also presented, as observed in the literature. Performance enhancement mechanisms including hydrodynamic configuration optimization, and non-linear vibration pick-up structure are reviewed. Conclusions are drawn and the outlook for each coupling mechanisms is presented.

Keywords

• Energy harvester
• Wind energy
• Miniature wind-induced vibration energy harvester
• Energy coupling mechanism
• Performance enhancement mechanisms