On a self-tuning sliding-mass electromagnetic energy harvester

Prior research has investigated resonators capable of self-tuning through the use of a sliding mass. This passive tuning mechanism can be utilized to improve vibration control; however, little is known about the nonlinear dynamic interactions between the vibrating beam and sliding mass, particularly as these apply to vibration energy harvesting applications. This paper investigates this problem by numerically and experimentally examining the response of an electromagnetic self-tuning energy harvester. We present the governing equations of this electromagnetic cantilever beam with a sliding mass using the extended Hamilton principle. These equations are then discretized using the Galerkin method and solved numerically. An experiment is carried out to validate the numerical analysis. Parametric studies are conducted to examine the effect of different system parameters on the performance of the self-tuning harvester.