An optimized wind energy harvester for remote pollution monitoring

Abstract

We present the design optimization of an energy harvesting device based on the aeroelastic flutter effect, developed for converting wind energy in electrical energy. Due to the aeroelastic mechanical principle, the energy harvester can be equipped with a system capable to follow the Maximum Power Point of the wind generator and then to sustain the energy demand of a sensor system used for pollution monitoring. The aeroelastic harvester consists of a tensioned ribbon coupled with an electromagnetic transducer and a power conditioning unit to guarantee the power supply for remote sensors deployed in hard-to-reach areas. This paper presents the characterization of the wind flutter generator and the design of a Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) logic that controls the tension of the belt for the maximum energy extraction.