248 / 2025-06-15 18:11:14

A gravity-based electromagnetic energy harvester for wireless condition monitoring of rolling bearings in wind turbines

energy harvester, wireless sensing system, condition monitoring, wind turbine, bearing

To maintain desirable wind energy transition and operational safety, it is essential to monitor the operating status of the wind turbine. Due to harsh operating conditions, long-term monitoring requirements, and rotational operation characteristics, powering up the wireless sensing system in wind turbine is still a considerable challenge for conventional energy supply methods. This paper proposed a gravity-based electromagnetic energy harvester. The finite element simulation analysis verified that this energy harvester can effectively convert kinetic energy into electrical energy. The output performance under various rotating speeds is systematically studied to further confirm the stable power output capability in low-frequency ranges of this energy harvester, which is suitable for powering up the wireless sensing system in wind turbines. By utilizing this energy harvester to supply the on rotor sensing (ORS) system, self-powered monitoring of wind turbine rolling bearing was achieved, validating the application potential of this approach.