Nonlinear vibration energy harvesting

The Project
Vibration energy harvesting concerns the conversion of wasted or unused ambient kinetic energy in the environment into small amount of electrical energy (from µW to mW). This technology, as a new power source for small wireless electronic systems such as wireless sensors, has attracted increasing attention in the past 20 years. It is becoming a promising energy source for wireless sensors and other portable electronic devices.

Linear vibration energy harvesters have been widely studied but their applications are severely restricted because of their narrow operational frequency ranges. Methods have been developed to increase the operational frequency range, one of which is nonlinear energy harvesters. There are two types of nonlinear structures used in vibration energy harvesting, i.e. Duffing’s nonlinear and bistable structures. Although research in nonlinear energy harvesters has been reported in journals and conferences, their applications in practical environments are not sufficiently investigated. To expand practical applications of nonlinear vibration energy harvesters, it is essential to understand performance of nonlinear vibration energy harvesters under various broadband vibrations.

Duration: 3 years Full-Time Fixed Term (Start date April)

About the Centre/Department
Cogent Labs is a world-leading applied research group at Coventry University, dedicated to analysis and development of sensing-based sociotechnical systems. It has a dual focus: robust, deployable pervasive sensing systems for real-life applications at scale; and effective packages for empowering users to maximise the benefits of those systems.

Since its inception in 2006, Cogent has quickly become an established world centre of excellence in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). It has attracted several million pounds worth of funding across a wide range of high-impact projects, from sources including The EU, EPSRC, TSB, and a portfolio of direct industrial funding. High-profile partners have included Cambridge University, MIT, Meggitt PLC, Jaguar Land Rover and Orbit Heart of England Housing Association.

The group has world-leading expertise in machine learning, embedded systems and measurement, intelligent sensors, energy harvesting and wireless sensor networks for several application areas (such as physiological measurement, jet engines and civil structures monitoring). It has made two important world first innovations: real-time on-body posture monitoring and movement analytics; and low-power, robust, unobtrusive home monitoring solutions at industrial scale.

Successful Applicants
- A minimum of a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum 60% mark in the Project element or equivalent with a minimum 60% overall module average,or

- A Masters Degree in a relevant subject area will be considered as an equivalent. The Masters must have been attained with overall marks at merit level (60%). In addition, the dissertation or equivalent element in the Masters must also have been attained with a mark at merit level (60%).

- The potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within a prescribed period of study

- Language proficiency (IELTS overall minimum score of 7.0 with a minimum of 6.5 in each component).

Additionally:
- Candidates with experience in FEA analysis using ANSYS are particularly welcomed.

Find out how to apply: http://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/research-students/how-to-apply/

See the website: http://www.coventry.ac.uk/research/research-students/research-studentships/nonlinear-vibration-energy-harvesting/?id=120886