Aeroelastic-photovoltaic ribbons for integrated wind and solar energy harvesting

Abstract

This letter investigates the energy harvesting capabilities of a novel hybrid wind and solar transduction device. The proposed device is an inverted-U shaped structure with a pair of piezoelectric benders connected by a flexible, tensioned photovoltaic ribbon. The tensioned photovoltaic ribbon member undergoes aeroelastic flutter limit cycle oscillations (LCOs) at low wind speeds, leading to time-varying tension forces applied to the piezoelectric benders, producing cyclic deflections and output voltage. Experimental characterization of the proof of concept energy harvester indicates that it is possible to obtain several milliwatts (mW) of power using the centimeter scale device, with an output power of ∼12.1 mW at a combination of 12 m s −1 wind speed and 100 W m −2 of solar irradiance, for indirect solar applications. It is shown here that an optimal combination of applied tensile preload and preset angle of attack exists which produces the highest wind power output of the system. An explanation of this behavior is also provided through the analysis of data collected on the photovoltaic ribbon velocity, piezoelectric voltage signals, and high-speed imagery, providing further insight to the motion kinematics of the highly nonlinear system response. Interestingly, the solar power output has been observed to remain invariant with increasing vibration velocity. This suggests that the gain in solar power efficiency from vibration-induced convective cooling negates any losses from the deflected incidence angle of the photovoltaic ribbon. These results illustrate that there is a negligible performance penalty in adding wind energy harvesting capability to the solar cells with this device concept.

Large-amplitude membrane flutter in inviscid flow

“…In such cases the membrane ends have some degrees of freedom akin to the free-end boundary conditions we have used. Extensional deformations may be used in conjunction with ( [74,75]) or as an alternative to bending-dominated deformations for energy harvesting, e.g. the flutter of piezoelectric beams and bilayers [76,77,78,79,80,81,82].…”

Hybrid energy harvesting technology: From materials, structural design, system integration to applications

“…Since the infrastructure systems are normally in an outdoor environment, there are abundant renewable energy sources available besides traditional batteries or wired power supplies, for example, solar, wind flow, rain drop and RF energy. Up to now, we have seen the hybridization of energy harvesting systems from single or multiple energy sources with hybrid energy conversion mechanisms [193][194][195][196]. Qian and Jing [161] reported a wind-driven hybridized EM-TE harvester and a solar cell for self-powered condition monitoring of natural disasters.…”

Recent progress on flutter‐based wind energy harvesting

“…Chatterjee and Bryant 91,92 proposed a multifunctional compliant structure (shown in Figure 12C) that can harvest solar energy and environmental mechanical energy (including wind and vibration energies) at the same time and proposed a corresponding theoretical model. Li et al 93 designed a piezoelectric and electromagnetic hybrid energy harvester (Figure 12D) to harvest vibration energy and wind energy.…”

“…(C) The harvester can capture solar energy and environmental mechanical energy at the same time; Reproduced with permission. 91 Copyright 2018, IOP Publishing. (D) Piezoelectric and electromagnetic hybrid FEH.…”

“…For example, to improve the power output, Dias et al 34,89,90 proposed a 2‐DOF FEH and a 3‐DOF FEH (respectively, shown in Figure 12A,B) that combines the piezoelectric effect and electromagnetic induction and studied the effects of aeroelastic parameters and electrical characteristics on the output performance through nondimensional analysis. Chatterjee and Bryant 91,92 proposed a multifunctional compliant structure (shown in Figure 12C) that can harvest solar energy and environmental mechanical energy (including wind and vibration energies) at the same time and proposed a corresponding theoretical model. Li et al 93 designed a piezoelectric and electromagnetic hybrid energy harvester (Figure 12D) to harvest vibration energy and wind energy.…”