Energy transfer and redistribution: An approach for unifying vibrational energy harvesting and vibration attenuation

Vibration is an omnipresent natural energy source that is not only renewable, but also has the potential to cause damage. However, existing vibrational energy harvesting technologies are typically based on vibration enhancement, and are thus difficult to apply to the many occasions requiring vibration reduction. In this paper, we present an energy transfer approach that overcomes the contradiction between vibration enhancement and vibration attenuation. This energy transfer is essentially a process of energy redistribution. Relying on local resonance to transfer vibrational energy to the power-generation unit rather than the protected object, the efficient collection of vibrational energy and vibration reduction are simultaneously achieved in the same physical system. Acquiring 95.8% of the vibrational energy in the system, the power-generation unit achieves an amplitude amplification factor of 375% and a 3477% power boost while resonating, and the vibrational amplitude of the protected object is reduced by 55%. This novel double-benefit approach achieves the harmony and unity of vibrational energy harvesting and vibration attenuation, and has significant potential for use in vibrational energy recycling for vibration damping systems. [Display omitted] •This approach unifies vibrational energy harvesting and vibration attenuation.•It overcomes the contradiction between vibration enhancement and vibration reduction.•Energy redistribution enables 95.8% of the energy to flow to power-generation unit.•TENG and vibration control realize interdisciplinary integration for the first time.