An energy harvester using self-powered feed forward converter charging approach

The paper proposes a stand-alone energy harvester system that considers economical, environmental, and technological implications. The applications of this paper are maintenance free, low cost and environmentally friendly commercial devices. The stand-alone system contains a self starting/self powering circuitry which allows the system power to be turned off while not in use. This proposed system requires neither batteries nor a power supply unit; it constitutes a true stand-alone, low maintenance and pollution free system. Additionally, it proposes a feed forward charging scheme to eliminate the needs of using voltage feedback, current feedback, or both, and hence reduces electronic complexity and cost of the charger. A detailed analysis of the feed forward charger, and the self-starting/self power circuitry was carried out to obtain the relationship between the system parameters and the outputs of the system. This paper also presents simulation results and experimental data to reveal performance of the charger and the self-starting/self powering circuitry.

► We frame an energy harvester that requires neither batteries nor a power supply unit.
► The harvester can avoid impacting the lifetime quality of energy storage elements.
► We show a thorough operation analysis for both ideal and non-ideal cases.
► The harvester possesses simplicity, low cost, and commercialization potential.
► Design concept integrates technical, economic and environmental concerns.