Vibration energy harvesters
Vibration Energy Harvesters (VEHs) are an innovative technology that can be used to convert ambient vibration into electrical energy in order to power sensors and wireless communications. Energy can be harvested from a wide variety of vibration frequencies.
This can be useful in places where there is no access to hard-wired power or it may be difficult to replace batteries, perhaps because of restricted access for safety reasons such as:
- Self-powered wireless sensor nodes (WSNs) on bridges, flyovers, and tunnels.
- Condition monitoring of rotating equipment, such as pumps used in water works.
- Measuring vibration or acceleration of railway tracks.
Wireless, self-powered sensors can be installed on such structures to predict system failure, improving reliability and safety.
Parametric excitation VEH is a new development in this field that can convert thirty times more mechanical energy into electrical energy compared to standard VEH technologies. This means that the size and weight of the VEH unit can be significantly lower. Parametric Excitation VEH has been developed by the Centre for Smart Infrastructure at the University of Cambridge.
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
[edit] External references.
- The Centre for Smart Infrastructure.
Featured articles and news
Shortage of high-quality data threatening the AI boom
And other fundamental issues highlighted by the Open Data Institute.
Data centres top the list of growth opportunities
In robust, yet heterogenous world BACS market.
Increased funding for BSR announced
Within plans for next generation of new towns.
New Towns Taskforce interim policy statement
With initial reactions to the 6 month policy update.
Heritage, industry and slavery
Interpretation must tell the story accurately.
PM announces Building safety and fire move to MHCLG
Following recommendations of the Grenfell Inquiry report.
Conserving the ruins of a great Elizabethan country house.
BSRIA European air conditioning market update 2024
Highs, lows and discrepancy rates in the annual demand.
50 years celebrating the ECA Apprenticeship Awards
As SMEs say the 10 years of the Apprenticeship Levy has failed them.
Nominations sought for CIOB awards
Celebrating construction excellence in Ireland and Northern Ireland.
EPC consultation in context: NCM, SAP, SBEM and HEM
One week to respond to the consultation on reforms to the Energy Performance of Buildings framework.
CIAT Celebrates 60 years of Architectural Technology
Find out more #CIAT60 social media takeover.
The BPF urges Chancellor for additional BSR resources
To remove barriers and bottlenecks which delay projects.
Flexibility over requirements to boost apprentice numbers
English, maths and minimumun duration requirements reduced for a 10,000 gain.
A long term view on European heating markets
BSRIA HVAC 2032 Study.
Humidity resilience strategies for home design
Frequency of extreme humidity events is increasing.
National Apprenticeship Week 2025
Skills for life : 10-16 February