An energy extraction enhanced interface circuit for piezoelectric and thermoelectric energy harvesting

Abstract

In this paper, an interface circuit based on parallel-synchronous switch harvesting on inductor (SSHI) is proposed for piezoelectric and thermoelectric energy harvesting. The proposed interface circuit could harvest power from piezoelectric transducers (PZT) and thermoelectric generators (TEG) simultaneously with a single-shared inductor. In addition, the harvester enables cold start without external battery. Simulation results indicate that the proposed circuit has higher power extraction capability by increasing damping force of the PZT, and the overall output power is 15.8% higher than conventional SSHI harvester when the load resistor is 10 KΩ.