Modeling and Analysis of a Piezoelectric Energy Scavenger for Rotary Motion Applications

Abstract

This paper presents modeling and analysis of a piezoelectric mounted rotary flexible beam that can be used as an energy scavenger for rotary motion applications. The energy harvester system consists of a piezoelectric bimorph cantilever beam with a tip mass mounted on a rotating hub. Assuming Euler-Bernoulli beam equations and considering the effect of a piezoelectric transducer, equations of motion are derived using the Lagrangian approach followed by relationships describing the harvested power. The equations provide a quantitative description of how the hub acceleration and gravity due to the tip mass contribute power to the energy harvester. In particular, expressions describing optimum load resistance and the maximum power that can be harvested using the proposed system are derived. Numerical simulations are performed to show the performance of the harvester by obtaining tip velocities and electrical output voltages for a range of electrical load resistances and rotational speeds. It is shown that by proper sizing and parameter selection, the proposed system can supply enough energy for operating wireless sensors in rotating mechanisms such as tires and turbines.

Design optimization of piezoelectric energy harvester subject to tip excitation

“…Energy harvesters utilizing rotary motion are found in some recent studies. Khameneifar et al [12] presented a piezoelectric bimorph cantilever with a tip mass mounted on a rotating hub. Hashimoto et al [13] and Carroll [14] gave examples of a piezoelectric generator which utilized piezoelectricity to convert the relative motion between a rotor and a stator.…”

Broadening the Frequency Bandwidth of a Tire-Embedded Piezoelectric-Based Energy Harvesting System Using Coupled Linear Resonating Structure

“…For the electrical modeling of our proposed harvester, it should be noted that the electrodes of the two PZT layers can be connected in series or in parallel depending on the application [24]. Fig.…”

“…In the present study, we rely on the Rayleigh-Ritz method to approximate the fundamental natural frequency of the piezoelectric beam [24], [25]. Based on this method, the displacement of the beam could be written as a …”

“…2), the bimorph piezoelectric beam is modeled as a uniform composite material which complies with the Euler-Bernoulli beam theory [24], [25]. Based on this theory, the effects of shear deformation and rotary inertia could be neglected.…”

Modeling and experiment of a handy motion driven, frequency up-converting electromagnetic energy harvester using transverse impact by spherical ball

“…Different vibration sources, such as human and machine motion [3,4], water and wind flow [5,6], rotary motion [7] Generally, these mechanisms are employed by spring-mass systems using cantilever beam structures having a specific resonant frequency. Harvested energy (power) is maximum when harvester's resonant frequency matches the applied vibration frequency.…”