Electrostatic energy harvesting using doublers of electricity

This paper describes an investigation about how to use a kind of electrostatic generator known as “doubler of electricity” as a practical micropower generator. The device has a structure that is amenable to miniaturized construction as a MEMS device powered by ambient vibration. A simple battery charger that does not require any control circuit is studied, and the inherent instability of the device is exploited to allow greater power output, with experimental results of a large scale proto-type presented.