Fluid flow induced oscillating energy harvester maximizing power output through off-center mounted toggling bluff body and/or suspension stiffening mechanism

A fluid flow induced oscillating energy harvester comprising:

• a stand supporting the energy harvester and configured to support the energy harvester in a fluid flow;
• a support member mounted for movement relative to the stand in a direction perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow;
• a bluff body configured to be positioned substantially perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow and pivotally mounted to the support member, wherein sufficient fluid flow causes an oscillating movement of the bluff body and the support member relative to the stand, and wherein the bluff body is pivotally mounted to the support member at a position off-center from the center of mass of the bluff body;
• an electrical generator coupled to the support member, wherein the electrical generator is configured to convert oscillating movement of the bluff body and the support member to electrical power;
• and
• a support member spring supporting the support member for oscillation about a support member rest position, and wherein the support member spring exhibits a higher stiffness at higher oscillation amplitudes of the bluff body and the support member.