MEMS Vibration Energy Harvesting for High Temperature Sensing in Aero-engine and Down-well Applications (HI-VIBE)

This project will develop and evaluate MEMS based vibration energy harvesting devices for high temperature sensing in aero-engine and down-well applications. The MEMS devices will be designed to scavenge energy from vibrations experienced in aero-engines and down-well drilling with the aim of replacing power cables and batteries for powering of distributed miniature sensor conditioning and processing modules at temperatures up to 250oC. The combination of vibration energy harvesting and high temperature electronics will open up new areas for monitoring of the health of the combustor and turbines in aero-engines and reduce battery requirements for down-well drilling, saving weight in cables and costs and enabling ease of deployment and maintenance. The project will leverage a new concept in vibration energy harvesting. The accuracy of sensing will be improved through the co-location of the sensing and control electronics in remote environments with in-situ power generation.