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Enhancing Bandwidth of Cantilever-Based Energy Harvester Using a Passive Multi-Chamber Movable Mass Repositioning
Nico E Galarza1,2, Nathan Jackson2,3
1Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA.
Micromachines
|July 28, 2026
Summary
Piezoelectric energy harvesters (PEHs) can now achieve wider operational bandwidths. A novel multi-chamber proof-mass design with free-moving masses significantly boosts PEH performance for self-powered electronics.
Area of Science:
- Energy Harvesting
- Materials Science
- Mechanical Engineering
Background:
- Piezoelectric energy harvesters (PEHs) offer potential for self-powered electronics.
- Limited operational bandwidth restricts PEH performance in variable environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To enhance the frequency bandwidth of PEHs.
- To introduce a passive multi-chamber proof-mass design utilizing nonlinear dynamics.
Main Methods:
- Designed and evaluated multiple proof-mass models with free-moving tungsten and Teflon spheres.
- Tested configurations under 0.5 g and 1 g excitation levels, varying chamber numbers.
- Compared free-mass designs against baseline and fixed-mass configurations.
Main Results:
- Free-mass configurations significantly enhanced bandwidth across all models.
- A multi-chamber design with tungsten spheres achieved a 72 Hz bandwidth at 1 g.
- This represents a 1400% increase compared to baseline conditions.
Conclusions:
- The proposed multi-chamber proof-mass design effectively broadens PEH operational bandwidth.
- Nonlinear dynamics from free-moving masses are key to overcoming bandwidth limitations.
- This advancement is crucial for reliable self-powered systems in ambient conditions.
