Meta detection sensor using energy harvesting power source

In the military operation, metal detection sensor using energy harvesting power source is useful for vehicle identifying sensor application. The unmanned portable ground sensor can provide perimeter security for moving military operation. As batteries are unreliable due to short life time, an alternative power sources are required to replace conventional batteries. Both photovoltaic and thermoelectric sources were used as energy harvesting power to complement the climate effect. The boost type voltage converter was used to accept the low input voltage range from 0.13 V, and the power combiner with low voltage loss was used to harvest the electric power from two different sources. Metal detecting sensor utilizing magneto-impedance magnetometer was attempted using the power from power combiner. The magneto-impedance magnetometer with 66 mm long soft magnet strip showed sensitivity of detecting 0.8 mm diameter magnetized ferrous ball at 5 mm distance and un-magnetized steel plate of 0.27 mm² surface area at 1 m apart. Also field test at highway showed the detection of moving vehicle. The energy harvesting power source showed the possibility to unattended ground sensor aplication.