Search

In this study, a segmented layered bistable piezoelectric energy harvester (SBPEH) has been developed and thoroughly investigated for its wind energy harvesting capabilities. The SBPEH's performance was comprehensively evaluated through the creation of a detailed 3D finite element model using Abaqus and XFlow software, and further validated via rigorous wind tunnel experiments. The results of this research demonstrate the SBPEH's remarkable potential for wind energy harvesting. With a wide operational wind speed range, it achieved a maximum measured power output of 5.476 mW, coupled with an outstanding power density of 68.45 mW/cm3, both of which were realized at a wind speed of 13 m/s. It is worth noting that as the wind speed surpasses a specific threshold, the energy harvesting efficiency of the SBPEH experiences a decline, emphasizing the importance of identifying the optimal operational wind speed range for maximizing energy output. These findings offer valuable insights for the enhancement and application of SBPEHs, contributing to the advancement of renewable energy technologies and providing an eco‐friendly solution for power generation. Highlights: The study introduces a new segmented layered bistable piezoelectric energy harvester (SBPEH) design for wind energy harvesting, addressing the limitations of traditional harvesters.Performance is evaluated through 3D finite element modeling, ABAQUS, Xflow simulations, and wind tunnel experiments.The SBPEH operates efficiently across a broad wind speed range (6–14 m/s), showcasing optimal output power of 5.476 mW at 13 m/s. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a bi-stable piezoelectric energy harvester based on the bi-stable hybrid composite laminate with a new stacking sequence design is proposed. The new stacking sequence enables this bi-stable energy harvester to have some unique features, such as uniform strains of piezoelectric elements and symmetric stable configurations. Meanwhile, the new stacking sequence design enhances the room to adjust its natural frequency such that this proposed harvester allows for adjusting to lower frequency range and increasing the inertia by a tip mass to lower the demand of excitation level in comparison to previous settings. A finite element analysis is developed to investigate the static and dynamic characteristics of this new bi-stable energy harvester. A simple numerical model with a modified version of the Duffing equation is developed based on the unique nonlinear restoring force obtained from finite element analysis to describe the fundamental response characteristics of this nonlinear bi-stable energy harvester. Numerical simulations and experiments are carried out at different harmonic excitation levels ranging from 10 to 40 Hz. The results verify that the proposed model can reasonably capture the dynamic characteristics of this broadband bi-stable energy harvester. The output powers were measured under different vibration patterns. Maximum power of 31.1 mW was generated under large-amplitude and high-energy orbits cross-well vibration pattern at an excitation frequency of 22 Hz and acceleration of 3 g ( g  = 9.8 m/s 2 ). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bi-stable composite laminates with piezoelectric transducers have been shown to capture energy over a wide frequency range and deliver significantly greater energy than resonant devices. In this work, the influence of lay-up design on the performance of bi-stable piezoelectric energy harvester (BPEH) based on bi-stable hybrid symmetric laminate (BHSL) is analyzed and verified. The initial voltage induced by stable configuration and longitudinal curvature of BPEH with different lay-up and hybrid width were calculated and analyzed by a static finite element analysis. The lay-up can vary initial voltage and longitudinal in opposite directions, and hybrid width can adjust these two variables in the same direction. The strain variations of piezoelectric transducer between two stable configurations were also analyzed. The initial voltage of BPEH depends on strain variations in the two directions. And then the finite element results are verified by experiment. Three types of BPEH were manufactured and actuated by two methods to measure their output powers. These BPEHs presented different dynamic responses, and the output powers under different vibration modes were measured. The highest output power of BPEH in this work is 42.2 mW and the highest power density is 78.1 mW/cm 3 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a bistable piezoelectric wind energy harvester (BPEH) is proposed, which is primarily made of bistable hybrid symmetric laminate (BHSL) and PZT, manufactured through a curing process. The air-solid-electric coupled finite element analysis model is established to simulate the dynamic response behavior of the BPEH and investigate the effects of varying airflow velocities on the flow field characteristics and performance output. A series of experimental studies on BPEH were conducted in the wind speed range of 8.5 m/s-16.5 m/s. The results show that at a wind speed of 14.5 m/s, the BPEH has an optimum external load of 60 k Ω , a maximum power output of 7.21 mW and a maximum amplitude of 93.065 mm. Therefore, the simple structure of the harvester proposed in this work may open a new way for bistable composite structures to acquire wind energy widely in natural environments. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]