A comparative study of electromagnetic generator via finite element element analysis

Energy scavenging from ambient sources is an attractive alternative to batteries because of an almost unlimited lifetime and is environmentally safe. Environmental vibration is a particularly attractive energy source because of its abundance, and several scavenging techniques such as piezoelectric, electrostatic and electromagnetic (EM) transduction. Since it is quite easy to keep a strong magnetic field with a permanent magnet, electromagnetic vibration-power generators are preferred in many applications. This paper presents a comparative study of electromagnetic generator via Finite Element Analysis (FEA). It involves the investigation of the magnetic behaviours for several configurations of electromagnetic generator. The configuration varies in terms of types of magnet and the arrangement of the magnet. Finite element models are developed and further analyzed via ANSYS software. Analyses are conducted prior to investigate the magnetic behaviours of the electromagnetic generator such as the flux lines, the magnetic flux density and also the electromotive force (emf) produced.