Mechanical rectifier for micro electric generators

S. Nagasawa, T. Suzuki, Y. Takayama, K. Tsuji, H. Kuwano

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In this paper we propose a mechanical rectifier for micro electric generators. Since micro electric generators usually produce alternating-current power, innovation ideas for DC outputs are strongly demanded. Electric rectifiers are one of solutions; however, electric rectifier circuits using semiconductor elements have a threshold voltage. It means that the electric generator has to generate higher voltage than the threshold or needs initial external energy for correct operations. Our idea is to use a mechanical rectifier fabricated by MEMS techniques. In this paper a seismic generator with an electret are employed as a micro electric generator. A micro cantilever doubles as a counter electrode for the electret and a mechanical switch in an electric rectifier circuit. we discuss the feasibility for the mechanical rectifier using the micro cantilever and confirm the validity of the whole system by a basic experiment.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationMEMS 2008 Tucson - 21st IEEE International Conference on Micro Electro Mechanical Systems
Pages992-995
Number of pages4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2008 Aug 29
Externally publishedYes
Event21st IEEE International Conference on Micro Electro Mechanical Systems, MEMS 2008 Tucson - Tucson, AZ, United States
Duration: 2008 Jan 132008 Jan 17

Publication series

NameProceedings of the IEEE International Conference on Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS)
ISSN (Print)1084-6999

Conference

Conference21st IEEE International Conference on Micro Electro Mechanical Systems, MEMS 2008 Tucson
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityTucson, AZ
Period08/1/1308/1/17

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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