APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR HARVESTING ELECTRICAL ENERGY FROM MECHANICAL MOTION

摘要

A method and apparatus for harvesting energy comprising determining an electrical impedance of a piezoelectric stack, connecting an electrical load to the piezoelectric stack wherein the piezoelectric stack is housed in a mechanical amplifier comprising a fixed supporting member, a movable supporting member connected to compliant links attached to at least one actuating arm, and connecting the actuator to a source of motion whereby movement of the actuating arm results in compression and expansion of the piezoelectric stack, which generates electrical current into the electrical load.