What is the efficiency of an accelerometer?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the efficiency of accelerometers, particularly in their application for screen orientation in smart devices. Participants clarify that the term "efficiency" is not appropriate for accelerometers and suggest focusing on datasheets for orientation sensors. The conversation shifts towards energy harvesting from vibrations, emphasizing the use of accelerometers that incorporate coils and moving magnets. Additionally, the potential for improving energy harvesting efficiency through the addition of non-ferrous materials is highlighted.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of accelerometer technology and its applications in smart devices.
  • Familiarity with energy harvesting concepts, particularly from vibrations.
  • Knowledge of datasheets for electronic components, specifically orientation sensors.
  • Basic principles of mechanical systems, including springs and their efficiency.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the specifications and datasheets for common smartphone orientation sensors.
  • Explore different types of accelerometers, focusing on those that utilize coils and magnets.
  • Investigate methods for energy harvesting from vibrations, including the use of small speakers.
  • Study the impact of mass tuning on the efficiency of vibration energy harvesters.
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, researchers, and students interested in energy harvesting technologies, accelerometer applications, and the efficiency of mechanical systems.

Tony17
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I 've got a project, and I 've been searching all over to find an answer; what is the efficiency of the accelerometer itself (p.e. in its use in smart-devices as screen-orientation method)?

Or do you know, what is the efficiency (approximately of a regular spring (NOT into void)?

Thank you very much,
Tony
 
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Tony17 said:
I 've got a project, and I 've been searching all over to find an answer; what is the efficiency of the accelerometer itself (p.e. in its use in smart-devices as screen-orientation method)?

Or do you know, what is the efficiency (approximately of a regular spring (NOT into void)?

Thank you very much,
Tony
The word "efficiency" does not seem appropriate here. Maybe a more appropriate question (in the EE forum) would be what is in the datasheet for orientation sensors in cellphones? But then we would just ask you for a link to a typical datasheet... :smile:
 
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berkeman said:
The word "efficiency" does not seem appropriate here. Maybe a more appropriate question (in the EE forum) would be what is in the datasheet for orientation sensors in cellphones? But then we would just ask you for a link to a typical datasheet... :smile:
Thanks for the quick answer :D! You're saving me here! So efficiency is not quite right here huh? That's a problem... My project is asking for analysis of systems/layouts/devices that work using -not exclusively- gravitational potential as an energy source and their efficiency percentage. But if this word doesn't work, maybe I was wrong and the whole device is out of point of the subject? Could you please give me your opinion on this? Also, what about a spring's efficiency?
 
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Tony17 said:
Thanks for the quick answer :D! You're saving me here! So efficiency is not quite right here huh? That's a problem... My project is asking for analysis of systems/layouts/devices that work using -not exclusively- gravitational potential as an energy source and their efficiency percentage. But if this word doesn't work, maybe I was wrong and the whole device is out of point of the subject? Could you please give me your opinion on this? Also, what about a spring's efficiency?
Oh, it sounds more like you are asking about energy harvesting from vibration? You can't use GPE all by itself as an energy source (at least not as part of an energy cycle with no other work inputs), so you must be looking at vibration?

In that case, you would look at different kinds of accelerometers to see which ones used something like a coil and moving magnet. But that may be hard to find, and you should be looking at small speakers (which use a voice coil around a cylindrical magnet to generate movement). If you vibrate them in the axis of the speaker, you can harvest small amounts of energy from that vibration...

EDIT -- And you could probably improve the efficiency of the speaker vibration harvester by tuning some extra mass that you place at the center of the speaker. Be sure to use a non-ferrous material when adding weight there. Quiz Question -- Why non-ferrous?
 
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Tony17 said:
My project is asking for analysis of systems/layouts/devices that work using -not exclusively- gravitational potential as an energy source and their efficiency percentage.

So do you mean things like:

A hydro electric power station?
Tidal lagoon power station?
Weight powered clock?
 

Thread 'Hydraulic Cylinder Held In Place Until Needed'

I have encountered a vertically oriented hydraulic cylinder that is designed to actuate and slice heavy cabling into sections with a blade. The cylinder is quite small (around 1.5 inches in diameter) and has an equally small stroke. The cylinder is single acting (i.e. it is pressurized from the bottom, and vented to atmosphere with a spring return, roughly 200lbs of force on the spring). The system operates at roughly 2500 psi. Interestingly, the cylinder has a pin that passes through its...
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