Rolling Magnet Energy Harvester - Modeling, optimization and design of a kinetic energy harvester

Abstract

This thesis investigates the concept of a Rolling Magnet Energy Harvester (RMEH), a kinetic energy harvester based on the principles of electromagnetic induction. Designed with shipping containers in mind, the RMEH harnesses energy from the rolling motion of vehicles to power potential onboard sensors. The long term objective is to enhance logistics by providing a simple, sustainable, and maintenance-free energy source. The thesis aims to verify the RMEH concept and identify optimal design parameters. This is accomplished through analysis and the development of a comprehensive model. Vehicle acceleration data is analyzed in order to find how the movement of vehicles can best be used to harvest its kinetic energy. The vehicle acceleration data is also converted to a rolling motion, which is used to simulate the dynamics of a generator with the rolling magnet inside. The design is optimized and used to estimate power data, which is used with simulated power electronics to confirm functionality. A prototype is built based on the optimized generator design and the working power electronics model. A test rig is also built in order to mimic the rolling motion of a vehicle. The prototype is tested and validated to successfully prove the concept of the Rolling Magnet Energy Harvester.

Abstract (Swedish)

Denna avhandling undersöker konceptet Rolling Magnet Energy Harvester (RMEH), en kinetisk energifångare, baserad på principerna för elektromagnetisk induktion. RMEH är utformad med fraktcontainrar i åtanke och utnyttjar energin från fordonets rörelser för att driva potentiella sensorer ombord. Det långsiktiga målet är att förbättra logistiken genom att tillhandahålla en enkel, hållbar och underhållsfri energikälla. Syftet med avhandlingen är att verifiera RMEH-konceptet och identifiera optimala designparametrar. Detta uppnås genom analys och utveckling av en omfattande modell. Fordonsaccelerationsdata analyseras för att undersöka hur fordonets rörelser bäst kan utnyttjas för att fånga dess kinetiska energi. Accelerationsdatan omvandlas också till en rullningsvinkel, vilken används för att simulera dynamiken hos en generator med den rullande magneten inuti. Designen optimeras och används för att uppskatta effektdatavärden, vilka kombineras med simulerad kraftelektronik för att bekräfta funktionalitet. En prototyp byggs baserad på den optimerade generatordesignen och den fungerande modellen av kraftelektroniken. En testrigg konstrueras också för att kunna efterlikna fordons rörelse under tester. Genom lyckade tester och validering av prototypen visas konceptet Rolling Magnet Energy Harvester som ett lyckat koncept värt att utveckla vidare.

Popular Abstract

Global trade relies on millions of shipping containers carrying the everyday items we depend on. Yet most containers act like “black boxes”, we often don’t know their condition until they reach their destination. What if the movement of these containers during transport could generate power for sensors that provide real-time updates on temperature, location, and cargo status? This study explores if an innovative Rolling Magnet Energy Harvester (RMEH), can turn vehicle motion into electricity to power connected devices.

The concept is simple: a cylindrical magnet rolls inside a large coil which generates current. Current is rectified and energy stored using power electronics and supercapacitors, to later potentially power sensors and transmitters. To test the idea, a simulation model was built using real vehicle acceleration data to study how the magnet moved and how much power was generated. An optimization script helped find the best design parameters, such as magnet size, generator length, and coil wire configuration. The results were shown in 3D-graphs that illustrate how voltage, current, and power changed with different designs parameters, load and motion levels. Additionally, a power electronics model was created to validate function together with the generator. It consisted of a four quadrant converter with the purpose to both rectify and control current.

A prototype was built, based on optimized design and validated power electronics. To mimic vehicle motion, a test rig was built which is also seen above. Initial testing revealed the prototype to function above expectations, storing 20 J worth of energy in under 9 minutes. Further testing evaluated the prototype under different acceleration and load, which confirmed key findings from the simulation model optimization run. One such finding was the notable impact of optimal load, depending on vehicle motion, to maximize power.

The project explored using vehicle motion to generate electricity for sensors during container transit with a Rolling Magnet Energy Harvester. Simulations, optimization, and prototype tests confirmed a working concept: the RMEH could harvest, store, and manage adequate amounts of energy automatically. With several challenges ahead and while far from a final product, the project successfully validated the concept and potential of the RMEH.

• author: Peters, Eric
• supervisor: Mats Alaküla
• organization: Division for Industrial Electrical Engineering and Automation
• alternative title: Modellering, optimering och design av en rullande kinetisk energifångare
• course: EIEM01 20251
• year: 2025
• type: H3 - Professional qualifications (4 Years - )
• subject: Technology and Engineering
• keywords: rolling magnet, RMEH, energy harvester, KEH, kinetic energy harvester, power electronics, optimization, container, four quadrant converter, 4Q, RM, roll, energifångare, kraftelektronik, fyrkvadrantsomvandlare
• publication/series: CODEN:LUTEDX/TEIE
• report number: 5545
• language: English
• id: 9213630
• date added to LUP: 2025-10-17 12:02:48
• date last changed: 2025-10-17 12:02:48