This thesis deals with automatic tuning of piezoelectric power harvesters. A prototype
was constructed to verify the effect of the application of an axial load on a cantilever
beam and the effectiveness of increasing the power harvested from a piezoelectric beam
via axial loading. It was shown, experimentally, that the natural frequency of a
piezoelectric beam harvester can be changed over a range of 25Hz. From the
experimental results it was shown that the power can increase up to seven times when
tuned in comparison to unturned. Computer simulations were used to demonstrate a
closed loop tuning system’s ability to apply an axial load effectively onto a piezoelectric
cantilever beam in response to ambient vibrations. The closed loop tuning system is a
viable option for tuning and can lead to increased power when applying the axial load
suggested by the tuning system.
This thesis deals with automatic tuning of piezoelectric power harvesters. A prototype
was constructed to verify the effect of the application of an axial load on a cantilever
beam and the effectiveness of increasing the power harvested from a piezoelectric beam
via axial loading. It was shown, experimentally, that the natural frequency of a
piezoelectric beam harvester can be changed over a range of 25Hz. From the
experimental results it was shown that the power can increase up to seven times when
tuned in comparison to unturned. Computer simulations were used to demonstrate a
closed loop tuning system’s ability to apply an axial load effectively onto a piezoelectric
cantilever beam in response to ambient vibrations. The closed loop tuning system is a
viable option for tuning and can lead to increased power when applying the axial load
suggested by the tuning system.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.