Improving the performance of a piezoelectric energy harvester using a tip spring-mass system

Yang Zhu, Oumar Barry, Weijiun Su, Jean Zu

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Vibration-based energy harvesting using piezoelectric materials has gained considerable attention over the past decade. Currently, most piezoelectric energy harvesters (PEHs) are single resonance frequency based. The performance of a single-resonance PEH is often limited to only one resonance frequency. This paper discusses the possibility of improving the performance of a bimorph PEH by tuning the PEH using a spring-mass system attached to the bimorphâTMs free end. Through adding the spring-mass system, the PEHâTMs resonance frequency can be tuned to match the ambient vibration frequency, and its voltage/power-generating capability can be improved. An electromechanical model of the PEH is derived based on the Lagrange multiplier method. The model is then used in a harmonic base excitation case study, and the coupled electromechanical outputs are discussed. Simulation results show that the spring-mass attachment can create two resonant frequencies, making the PEH capable of working efficiently at two different frequencies in a low-frequency level. It is also shown that by properly selecting the spring stiffness and the mass, the voltage and power output of the PEH can be greatly increased as compared to a single bimorph without the springmass system.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationASME 2012 International Design Engineering Technical Conferences and Computers and Information in Engineering Conference, IDETC/CIE 2012
Pages1129-1135
Number of pages7
EditionPARTS A AND B
DOIs
StatePublished - 2012
EventASME 2012 International Design Engineering Technical Conferences and Computers and Information in Engineering Conference, IDETC/CIE 2012 - Chicago, IL, United States
Duration: 12 Aug 201212 Aug 2012

Publication series

NameProceedings of the ASME Design Engineering Technical Conference
NumberPARTS A AND B
Volume1

Conference

ConferenceASME 2012 International Design Engineering Technical Conferences and Computers and Information in Engineering Conference, IDETC/CIE 2012
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityChicago, IL
Period12/08/1212/08/12

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