1. Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting from Vibrational Disturbances in VAWTs: Experimental Design and Optimization.
- Author
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Dammed, Asaad Ali and Ntayeesh, Thaier J.
- Subjects
ELECTRIC power ,ENERGY harvesting ,EXPERIMENTAL design ,POWER resources ,MODAL analysis ,TOWERS ,WIND turbines - Abstract
Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting (PEH) has been increasingly adopted due to its substantial potential to harness unutilized vibrations for multiple small- and large-scale real-life applications. Various publications have discussed the PEH rationale and operating principles. Nonetheless, there is a considerable knowledge gap, reflected in a limited number of peer-reviewed articles, involving the selection of optimal PEH location during real-time operational excitations, like wind turbines. Subsequently, this paper considers the Vertical-Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs) to accumulate vibrations realized mainly at the turbine's tower. Experimental Modal Analysis (EMA) and Operational Deflection Shape (ODS) analysis were employed to predict the natural frequency behavior, vibrational intensity, and electrical power output at various locations along the VAWT's tower. The tower was divided into eight zones to determine which region could yield the maximum power output from the VAWT-PEH system. Many publications have suggested that the region closer to the fixed base of the VAWT would experience the maximum deflection. Yet, this research has shown that the zone nearer the top of the VAWT tower exhibited the highest deflection rates and greater turbulence, resulting in better electrical power production. Consequently, region No. 1 gave the highest deflection, corresponding to a maximum electrical power from excitations with a peak-to-peak voltage of 2.834 V compared with 2.754 V for point No. 8. These lower charges could be practical for powering small-power consumption devices, such as sensors and LEDs, especially when they need a permanent power supply. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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