Energy harvesting using symmetrical electrostatic generators

Abstract

This paper describes possible regenerative electrostatic generators that can be obtained when two variable capacitors are used, in a symmetrical configuration. The studied structures require also two load capacitors and four switches or diodes, and produce two opposite output voltages. It is shown that some versions can produce a voltage multiplication factor per cycle that can reach 2. 618, greater than the maximum of 2 of the previously studied devices based on Bennet's doubler. As those, the proposed structures a re also compatible with microelectromechanical systems, and may be suitable for energy harvesting applications.