Abstract
To continuously generate micro-power at low-wind speeds without human intervention, this study proposes combining an electromagnetic energy harvester with an Archimedes vertical axis wind turbine. The system includes a linear electromagnetic component featuring a freely moving magnet within a tube, around which a coil is wrapped. This setup is driven by a horizontal shaft connected to an Archimedes spiral turbine. Two different methods were implemented to enhance the movement of the magnet within the coil and counteract the centrifugal force generated by the turbine’s rotation. The first method involved placing two magnets with opposite poles at each end of the tube, creating a magnetic repulsion force to push the magnet back toward the coil. In the second approach, two springs were attached to the magnet. Their stiffness generated a backward force, guiding the magnet along the tube toward the coil. The relationship between wind speed and generated voltage was derived mathematically and verified through experimental measurements. For Type 1 and Type 2 harvesters, the maximum generated voltages, 4.1 mV and 4.84 mV, respectively, were recorded at wind speeds of 3.15 m/s and 3.51 m/s. The experimental results show that the spring mechanism performs more efficiently than the opposite-pole magnetic configuration in generating the backward force required to counteract the centrifugal force acting on the free-moving magnet. At low-wind speeds, the experimental findings show reasonable agreement with the theoretical predictions. Incorporating a spring-loaded mechanism to enhance the backward force on the magnet enables the system to counteract centrifugal forces more efficiently than magnetic repulsion alone, resulting in improved voltage generation. The integration of the Archimedes spiral turbine with a linear electromagnetic harvester represents an innovative engineering approach. This configuration enables continuous and predictable power output, even under low and irregular wind-speed conditions, potentially establishing a foundation for similar energy harvesting designs. Owing to its modular structure and low production cost, the proposed harvester can be scaled for larger installations or tailored to specific applications, such as sensors, IoT devices, and other low-power electronic systems, thereby contributing to the advancement of green energy technologies.
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