Modeling and experimental validation of a new electromechanical damping device

In this paper an innovative passive vibration damping system is proposed, effective on large flexible structures like tall buildings or long-span bridges. It employs an electromechanical actuator composed of a pendulum hinged to the vibrating structure and connected to an electric alternator. Once the pendulum has been tuned on a specific structural eigenmode, like a classical tuned mass damper, vibrational energy can be dissipated or harvested by connecting a resistive electric load to the alternator pins. Some experimental results are presented showing the effectiveness of the device both in vibration control and in energy harvesting.