Novel multi-stable energy harvester by exploring the benefits of geometric nonlinearity

Abstract

This paper proposes the theoretical model and dynamical investigations of a novel multi-stable energy harvester using geometric nonlinearity technique. Among present energy harvesters one of them uses the elastic steel slices and springs, rather than the usual magnetic attraction and repulsion effects. Such a harvester is shown to outperform conventional linear harvesters and to overcome some of the most severe limitations of present approaches. By adjusting the geometric nonlinearity parameters, the energy harvester can possess multi-stable potential energy functions, ranging from mono-stable to quad-stable. The results show that the combined geometric nonlinearity can not only make jumping between potential wells easier, but also improve the efficiency of energy harvesting under low intensity excitations.

Electromagnetic Vibrational Energy Harvesters: A Review

“…Another attempt to broaden the output bandwidth of the system is a multi-stable electromagnetic harvester. In [ 36 ], Yang et al proposed a theoretical model and dynamical analysis of a novel multi-stable energy harvester employing a geometric nonlinearity technique. The energy harvester has multiple stable potential energy functions, ranging from mono-stable to quad-stable, by varying the geometric nonlinearity parameters.…”

Energy Harvesting in a System with a Two-Stage Flexible Cantilever Beam

“…In addition to magnets, as elements modifying the potential barrier, there are also used, inter alia, elastic and damping elements, such as springs [ 22 , 23 ] or various beam structures, additional degrees of freedom, bumpers etc. [ 24 , 25 ].…”

Probabilistic Response and Performance Predict of Nonlinear Vibration Energy Harvesting Systems Based on Partial Information

“…Due to most of the vibration sources containing multiple frequency components coexist, and their strength being different, the frequencies of the VEH device should be distributed over a wide frequency bandwidth to ensure efficient capture of vibration energy. Therefore, VEH devices with different nonlinear structures are designed, for example, monostable [6], bistable [7], and multistable [8]. Then some preloaded clamped-clamped structures are also proposed to achieve the mechanical nonlinearity structure, which can realize the frequency tuning with preload configuration, and it does not need an external system [9][10][11].…”