A multi-directional magnetoelectric generator for harvesting mechanical energy from handshaking

Abstract Scavenging energy from human motions provides a prospective scheme for the power supply of low-power electronics. A multi-directional magnetoelectric (ME) generator is designed to harvest mechanical energy induced by handshaking, which uses a magnetostrictive/piezoelectric ME transducer assembled around a NdFeB magnet and an iron ball. The employments of the spring and the outer shell allow vertical and horizontal movements induced by handshaking. The working principle and the structure of the harvester have been stated and a prototype was used to carry out the experiments. The output voltages and powers have been investigated using the fabricated prototype. The output power changes with the resistive load and the maximum value is attained at a specific resistive load. A power of 2.75×10 −10 W is obtained at a 1.5MΩ resistive load. The output characteristics verify the practicability of the presented generator, which can be further optimized to provide power for wearable or portable electronic devices.