Resonance Tuning of a Multi-piezoelectric Bimorph Beams Energy Harvester Connected by Springs

Abstract

Piezoelectric energy harvesters are ideal for capturing energy from mechanical vibrations in the ambient environment. Numerous studies have been made of this application of piezoelectric energy conversion; however, thus far researchers have encountered limitations in the amount of power that can be captured. In this paper, a frequency- adjustable energy harvester with an array of piezoelectric bimorphs connected by springs has been designed and analyzed based on the 1D piezoelectric beam equations. The result shows that the energy harvester is capable of operating in multiple frequencies, and the operating frequencies can be adjusted by changing the small end masses and spring stiffness. An optimal selection of the load impedance to realize the maximum power output is discussed. The power efficiency of the energy harvester has been analyzed as well.

Keywords:

• Piezoelectric
• energy harvester
• resonance tuning
• bimorph