Development and experimental validation of self-powered wireless vibration sensor node using vibration energy harvester

Abstract This paper deals with development of a self-powered solution for wireless vibration sensing. An autonomous operation of the proposed vibration sensor node is based on an electromagnetic energy harvesting device which converts kinetic energy of ambient mechanical vibration. Moreover, mechanical vibrations are monitored via electric signal from a piezoelectric patch and the measured signal is transmitted to the monitoring unit. The electromagnetic energy harvester is designed to provide enough power for a signal processing unit and a communication module, enabling the system to operate as a self-powered wireless vibration sensor node. Operation of this system was experimentally validated in laboratory environment and examples of vibration monitoring are presented. There is a significant restriction in terms of operation in resonance regime, where the generated power of the kinetic energy harvester is maximal and sufficient for limitless operation of the node. Main aim of this paper is to present a complex system which could be used in many engineering applications, such as aerospace, transportation, or civil structure monitoring.