Distributed parameter model and experimental validation of a compressive-mode energy harvester under harmonic excitations

Abstract

This paper presents the modeling and parametric analysis of the recently proposed nonlinear compressive-mode energy harvester (HC-PEH) under harmonic excitation. Both theoretical and experimental investigations are performed in this study over a range of excitation frequencies. Specially, a distributed parameter electro-elastic model is analytically developed by means of the energy-based method and the extended Hamilton’s principle. An analytical formulation of bending and stretching forces are derived to gain insight on the source of nonlinearity. Furthermore, the analytical model is validated against with experimental data and a good agreement is achieved. Both numerical simulations and experiment illustrate that the harvester exhibits a hardening nonlinearity and hence a broad frequency bandwidth, multiple coexisting solutions and a large-amplitude voltage response. Using the derived model, a parametric study is carried out to examine the effect of various parameters on the harvester voltage response. It is also shown from parametric analysis that the harvester’s performance can be further improved by selecting the proper length of elastic beams, proof mass and reducing the mechanical damping.

A Novel Nonlinear Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting System Based on Linear-Element Coupling: Design, Modeling and Dynamic Analysis

“…Previous research theoretically and experimentally verified on the enhanced performance of the non-magnet based vibration energy harvesting technique [ 54 , 55 , 56 , 57 , 58 , 59 , 60 , 61 , 62 , 63 , 64 ]. More importantly, non-magnet based vibration energy harvesting has an irreplaceable application potential in some special fields where magnets are forbidden.…”

“…Xu and Tang [ 62 ] developed a cantilever-pendulum energy harvesting system, which could harvest vibration energy of excitations from three directions in simulation. Li et al [ 63 ] numerically and experimentally verified the broadband characteristics of a compressive-mode energy harvester. Wei and Jing [ 64 ] proposed a nonlinear energy harvesting system via a lever system combined with an X-shape supporting structure, and the numerical results show that this system provides a great flexibility and/or a unique tool for tuning and improving energy harvesting efficiency via matching excitation frequencies and covering a wider frequency range.…”