A two-stator MEMS power generator for cardiac pacemakers

The design of a bio-mechanically driven double stator axial flux MEMS power generator for use in cardiac pacemakers has been presented. In the system, an asymmetrical circular rotor embedded with alternate polarity microfabricated NdFeB permanent magnets oscillates around a central shaft due to the motion of the thorax during breathing to induce a voltage across the stator coils. The generator has a footprint area of 4times4 mm² and can generate 59.73 mW_RMS power with an open circuit 9.0 V_RMS per coil. The generated voltage and power are sufficient to meet the power requirements of a typical cardiac pacemaker. The substantially longer life of the generator compared to conventional pacemaker batteries can minimize the frequency, risk and cost of invasive surgeries associated with battery replacement.