Low frequency properties of micro power generator using a gold electroplated, coil and magnet

Micro power generating devices were fabricated by using a gold electroplated coil and a permanent magnet. The electrical power was generated when the magnet reciprocated on the fabricated electroplated coil. The output power was increased as a function of vibration frequency. A measurement system, which convert a rotational motion of a motor into a linear motion, was designed and fabricated. The purpose of this work is to develop the micro power generating devices which convert the ambient vibration or oscillating energy into useful electrical energy. With changing vibration frequency from 0.5 to 8 Hz, the generated power increased linearly. The generated voltage was 106 mV at 3 Hz and 198 mV at 6 Hz. After using the step up circuit, the measured voltage was 81 mV at 3 Hz and 235 mV at 6 Hz. From above the frequency of about 4.5 Hz, the gain obtained by using the quadrupler circuit becomes larger than the loss without using that circuit. (C) 2007 Published by Elsevier B.V.