Abstract
The purpose of this study is to analyse and to measure damping characteristics of a linear generator. The linear generator can convert any mechanical vibration to electric power. The damping characteristics of the linear generator change due to the changes of the connected resistance. Therefore, a linear generator can be used as a controllable damper. The viscous damping coefficients were calculated by a finite element method. The prototype linear generator was produced based on the simulation and its damping characteristics were measured. It was confirmed that the viscous damping coefficient was controlled by PWM signal. Furthermore, the charging characteristics were measured when it mover was driven by constant vibration of amplitude 30 [mm] and frequency 3 [Hz]. It was conceivable that the proposed linear generator can be used as a generator or a controllable damper as necessary.