Micro Energy Harvesting Inspired by Leaf Flutter

This research presents the development and analysis of a wind energy harvesting system inspired by the natural oscillatory behavior of leaves. Observing that real leaves can move with minimal wind force, the proposed design aims to replicate[1] [ss2]  this motion to generate electrical power through electromagnetic induction. The study specifically targets energy harvesting at low wind speeds (1-3 m/s), reflecting typical urban environmental conditions such as those in Bangkok. The system utilizes a combination of a soft beam representing a leaf petiole, a rigid support structure, and a generator module composed of neodymium magnets (NdFeB) and copper coils. A series of tests was conducted using various leaf blade shapes, beam lengths, and structural configurations to identify the most efficient setup for energy conversion. Key findings revealed that the optimal configuration, a rectangular winglet or semi-circular blade with a  soft beam, produced a maximum electrical power output of  and mechanical output of , with a corresponding efficiency of . Additionally, the study offers insights into the roles of aerodynamic parameters, such as Strouhal and Reynolds numbers, in optimizing vibration-based energy systems. The results demonstrate the potential for applying biomimicry in renewable energy devices designed for low-speed, urban wind environments.