2015 Volume 23 Issue 1 Pages 35-40
This research aims at realization of a battery free remote controller by switch type magnetostrictive-power generator using an iron-gallium alloy (Galfenol). The principle of power generation is based on parallel beam structure of Galfenol plate and yoke, by which input mechanical energy by pushing button is converted to electrical energy via free vibration. Our proposing controller consists of the generator, power conversion circuit (rectifier and capacitor), DC-DC converter and wireless module. In order to maximize the energy at the capacitor, the conversion circuit should be designed by considering equivalent model of the generator, coupling of mechanical and electrical circuit. We identified the parameters of the model by measurements of displacement and vibration, which the parameters were used to design the conversion circuit by LTSPICE, conventional circuit simulator. The combinations of capacitors in rectifier circuit providing the maximum energy at simulation and experiment were coincident, which verifies the validity of our design method. The operating condition of converter and module was investigated and twice of switch operation of combined system could send wireless sensor signal.
