Analysis and optimization of a permanent magnet harvesting device

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Energy harvesting has been an important research topic in the field of green energy technology. Different mechanisms were reported in the literature for converting a variety of energy into electricity energy. Among them to mention, a thermoelectric energy harvester converts the heat into electrical energy. A piezoelectric energy harvester converts the mechanical strain into electrical energy. Permanent magnet structures in presence of vibrational motion are a popular source for energy harvesting. The permanent magnet structures is being more and more popular due to its higher-energy density, and wireless operation. In the proposed research project, MagTech Renewable Energies Inc. will collaborate with the University of Waterloo team to conduct research for modeling including analytical and numerical approaches using finite element method to perform magnetic analysis and optimization of a magnetic energy harvester designed and developed by MagTech. The magnetic energy harvester is used as an energy harvester consisting of permanent magnets as its major component.Research will be conducted on; 1) Development of a cost-effective and high torque output device, 2) Study on the eddy-current damping effect of aluminum material and reducing the core-loss caused by eddy-current, and 3) Study on the demagnetization of installed permanent magnets.During the course of the project, one PhD student, one Postdoctoral researcher, one undergraduate research assistant, and two capstone project students will be engaged in the project. They will be trained in a number of key areas, including magnetic energy harvesting system design, finite element analysis, and prototype manufacturing.