Characterisation study into harvesting of vibration energy by electrostatic ferroelectret materials

• Main Author: Tan, Peng Chuang
• Other Authors: Lye Sun Woh
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2010
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/40489
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Recently, there is an increasing demand for a robust power source to replace conventional batteries in low power consuming, small scale applications like wireless networks and mobile electronics. Energy generators that harvest ambient vibration energy by employing electret materials in electrostatic induction fit the requirements of such applications. In this experimental study, the surface potential of gold evaporated low-density polyethylene (LDPE) electret is characterised with the charging parameters that include specimen size, charging duration, annealing sequence, time and temperature. Corona charging is then optimised with the inclusion of a grid electrode and positive plate. The experimental data substantiates the theory where charges are stored in the polymer’s surface “deep traps” and bulk’s “shallow traps”. Apparatus, procedures, detailed technical drawings of the corona charging setup, as well the discussions of the experimental results are also presented in this report.