A MEMS turbine prototype for respiration harvesting

[摘要] The design, manufacturing, and performance characterization of a MEMS-scale turbine prototype is reported. The turbine is designed for integration into a respiration harvester that can convert normal human breathing into electrical power through electromagnetic induction. The device measures 10 mm in radius, and employs 12 blades located around the turbine periphery along with ball bearings around the center. Finite element simulations showed that an average torque of 3.07 μNm is induced at 12 lpm airflow rate, which lies in normal breathing levels. The turbine and a test package were manufactured using CNC milling on PMMA. Tests were performed at respiration flow rates between 5-25 lpm. The highest rotational speed was measured to be 9.84 krpm at 25 lpm, resulting in 8.96 mbar pressure drop across the device and 370 mW actuation power.

[发布机构] Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey^1;Department of Mechanical Engineering, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey^2;Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Antalya International University, Antalya, Turkey^3

[效力级别] 能源学

[关键词] Air flow-rate;Average torques;Electrical power;Finite element simulations;Human breathing;Performance characterization;Rotational speed;Test package