Self-powered sensing systems have seen increasing attention and steady growth during the last decade for monitoring key properties from various operating structures. Such systems have demonstrated high capabilities in several potential applications (for example manufacturing, healthcare, automotive, aerospace applications, to name but a few).

Self-powered sensing systems typically comprise: (i) a sensor to measure a physical property of choice, (ii) communication of the obtained data to a control unit and (iii) an (ambient) energy harvester to provide the necessary power for the sensor operation and data transmission. 

Our aim is to employ nonlinear dynamics for designing and developing miniaturised, highly-senstitive, broadband, self-powered sensing systems for various applications that can effectively capture and transmit valuable data for structural health monitoring purposes.

We design custom-made sensors and vibration energy harvesters to match the requirements of industrial applications. Our methods and prototypes are validated and tested at the facilities of the Dynamics Research Group in the Wolfson School of Mechanical, Electrical and Manufacturing Engineering at Loughborough University.

Examples of our research projects and outcomes include:

EP/L019426/1 (Targeted energy transfer in powertrains to reduce vibration-induced energy losses). Project website: http://drivetraintet.net/. The design of a vibration energy harvester for propulsion applications was a key outcome of the project. Patent publication number: GB2578321.

Vibration energy harvester for variable speed rotor applications using passively self-tuned beams

On the dynamics of a nonlinear energy harvester with multiple resonant zones

Ultra-low frequency energy harvesting using bi-stability and rotary-translational motion in a magnet-tethered oscillator

A Nonlinear Concept of Electromagnetic Energy Harvester for Rotational Applications