Self-sensing Capability of Electromagnetic Harvester Engineered for MR Damper: Experimental Evaluation

The study investigates the self-sensing capability of an electromagnetic harvester designed for a commercial MR damper. The objective of the work is to demonstrate that the harvester can also serve as a velocity sensor. For this purpose, the relative velocity of the MR damper shaft (harvester rod) was reconstructed from the electromotive force induced in the harvester coil. To demonstrate the adequacy of the approach, experimental tests were conducted under harmonic input excitations. The experimental data revealed the self-sensing potential of the investigated harvester. This feature seems to be useful in vibration control systems with MR damper and energy regeneration.