Energy Harvesting using Piezoelectric Transducers: A Review

Abstract

For managing the soaring power demand, various types of Energy Harvesting Systems (EHS) have been developed. The energy harvesting from unutilized natural renewable sources using piezoelectric transducers is one of them. Day-by-day different analytical models are being reported with different piezoelectric transducers to improve the energy efficiency and output power of the energy harvesting systems. The goal of this paper is to review the PEH (Piezo-electric Energy Harvesting) systems developed in last decade to harness energy required for small electronics. The Piezo-electric energy harvesting system works on the phenomena of direct piezo-electric effect; i.e. the transducer generates electric energy when it is exposed to mechanical stress/pressure/vibration. The suitability of piezo-electric transducer for different applications depends upon the piezo-electric materials, their shapes and configurations. In this article the different piezoelectric materials and the transducer configurations have been discussed. The performance parameters of different piezo-electric energy harvesting systems have been analyzed and the scope of improvement in the existing systems has been discussed in this manuscript.

Self-Powered Synchronized Switching Interface Circuit for Piezoelectric Footstep Energy Harvesting

“…In recent years, piezoelectric circular diaphragm (PCD) energy harvesters have attracted considerable attention among the existing piezoelectric generators used for PEH [ 44 , 45 ]. In particular, in the case of footsteps energy harvesting, PCD energy harvesters are highly recommended [ 46 ] and thereby they were chosen for the carried experiments. When compressed, the harvester generates an electric signal that can be harvested, efficiently managed, and stored for later use.…”