Optimized Rectifier Topologies for Low-Voltage Electromagnetic Energy Harvesters

Vibrational energy harvesters typically generate only low voltages and low powers, making high-efficiency power conversion essential to extract usable energy from such sources. To address this challenge, suitable rectifier circuits must be designed to operate efficiently under low-voltage conditions. In this study, three rectifier topologies-a standard bridge rectifier and two alternative designs from the literature-were investigated in a two-step methodology: first, measurements were performed in the laboratory using a function generator to simulate controlled excitation conditions, followed by experiments with a real electromagnetic energy harvester. Component-level testing allowed the identification of the most suitable components for each topology, highlighting the influence of parameters such as MOSFET gate-source threshold voltage on overall performance. Using the selected optimal components, the circuits were then compared under varying excitation amplitudes and load conditions. Small modifications were introduced to the literature designs to improve switching behavior and reduce conduction losses. Across all tested conditions, the active-diode rectifier consistently achieved the highest harvested power, demonstrating both the effectiveness of component selection and the practical benefit of the adapted topology. These results provide a systematic basis for designing high-efficiency rectifiers for low-voltage vibrational energy harvesting applications.