SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR HARVESTING VIBRATION ENERGY USING A HYBRID DEVICE

Hybrid energy harvesting devices that harvest vibrational energy over a broad frequency spectrum using several different energy harvesting mechanisms that are operable over different frequency ranges. In one embodiment, a device uses an inductive current generator to convert vibrational energy at lower frequencies to electrical energy, and also uses one or more piezoelectric charge generators to convert vibrational energy at higher frequencies to electrical energy. The electrical energy produced by these different mechanisms is provided to a controller which processes the input energy and generates an output which is applied to an energy store such as a battery. The energy stored in the battery can then be drawn by a wireless sensor or other device. The energy harvesting device may have the same form factor as a conventional battery to allow installation in battery-powered equipment without modification.