Home >> Science & Nature >> Science

How to Generate Power Through Seismic Vibration

Energy harvesting devices capture mechanical energy created from vibrations and convert it into a useable form of energy such as electricity. These devices can be used in industry to harvest motion energy that would otherwise be lost. The energy can then be stored or used as an active power source. Energy is created from the movement and oscillation of the harvester device as it responds to seismic vibrations.

Things You'll Need

Small metal platform
Free standing energy harvester
Torpedo level
Vibration source

Instructions

- 1
  Set up a flat metal platform on a seismic motion source. The metal platform should stand on three or four legs and be fabricated from a metal to which a magnet can be attached, such as iron, steel or stainless steel. You can also use a center-thru bolt as an attachment method. The energy source can be seismic motion from the earth or any source that produces motion, e.g., industrial machinery.
- 2
  Level the platform with a torpedo or other small level. Level it in one direction first, and then in a perpendicular direction. Level the platform again in both directions.
- 3
  Place the energy harvester on the center of the platform and attach the seismic energy harvester using the built in magnet. If you are using the center-thru bolt, attach the harvester to the center of the platform using the center-thru bolt.
- 4
  Run the harvester at times of significant motion. If you are using a seismic energy harvester in conjunction with industrial applications, run the harvester whenever machinery is operating. The motion-energy that would otherwise be lost will be converted into usable energy.
- 5
  Run electrodes from the harvester to an energy storage device or to the electrical device that will use the harvested energy.

Science