A Coupled Finite Element—Circuit Simulation Model for Analyzing Piezoelectric Energy Generators

Abstract

A coupled finite element method (FEM) and circuit simulation approach for analyzing piezoelectric energy harvesters is presented. The advantage of the proposed method is that the mechanical analysis of the generator can be done using available FEM packages, while the circuit analysis can be performed using standard circuit simulation software (e.g., SPICE). The electromechanical coupling between the two physical domains is achieved by applying equivalent piezoelectric loads in the mechanical model, and equivalent electrical voltages in the electric model. This approach allows for the modeling of complex mechanical geometries and sophisticated, non-linear circuits. The solutions of two example problems are presented: (1) a beam generator with a resistive load, which is compared to an existing analytical solution, and (2) a plate generator with a non-linear diode bridge circuit. Though relatively easy to implement, the explicit solution technique presented in this article can be computationally expensive for complicated models with long simulation time-histories.

Optimization of rectifier circuits for a vibration energy harvesting system using a macro-fiber composite piezoelectric element

“…In most of the researches, the piezoelectric elements generate electricity using the movement of various things such as the human body [10][11][12][13] or wind [14,15]; however, these systems are not yet practical to use. In addition, the fundamental analysis [16][17][18] and design [5,[19][20][21] of vibration energy harvesting has also been studied intensively, as well as the circuit modeling of vibration energy generation based on the piezoelectric elements [22][23][24][25]. These two main factors are directly related to the efficiency of the electricity generated from the piezoelectric elements.…”

Comparative numerical studies of electromechanical finite element vibration power harvester approaches of a piezoelectric unimorph

“…In the power harvesting research area, novel technical concepts of the finite element methods have shown alternative solution techniques for investigating the self-powered MEMS devices using complex geometry of the laminated piezoelectric beams with electrode layers combined with the external circuit components. Only a few of the finite element selfpowered harvester research studies have been investigated by researchers during the last six years [9]- [11].…”

Application of PGD on Parametric Modeling of a Piezoelectric Energy Harvester

“…FE models, on the other hand, are advantageous due to their versatility in modeling complicated geometry and its capability in obtaining full field solutions under any boundary conditions. In [19], FE methods are utilized for analyzing piezoelectric energy generators using different commercial software modeling multiphysics fields and the electric circuits, individually. Dedicate loops are designed in order to pass results between software.…”