Resonant frequency tuning of a novel piezoelectric vibration energy harvester (PVEH)

Abstract

It is imperative to provide autonomous power supplies for the sensor nodes in structural health monitoring. Piezoelectric vibration energy harvesters (PVEH) can generate power to meet this. Here, studies on a novel PVEH design integrating ionic polymer metal composites (IPMC), for electrical tuning of resonant frequency of the harvester have been discussed. The device for which a patent is pending, has two sections. Macro fiber composite (MFC) is bonded on the root section and the extension beam is impacted by IPMC. Net power output was achieved with varying conditions. This article also discusses theoretical analysis of results and next-generation devices.

Keywords:

• Energy harvesting
• piezoelectric material
• ionic polymer metal composites
• resonant frequency tuning
• actuator
• vibrations

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge with thanks the help by Patrick Chang of the Department of Mechanical Engineering. The authors also extent their gratitude and greatly appreciate the help by Dr. Loveleen Sharma. The authors are also thankful to Dr. Boyu Wang, Manisha and the Tech team of the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Victoria.

Disclosure Statement

Dr. Rishi Gupta and Sreekumari Raghavan have a patent pending.

Additional information

Funding

The authors acknowledge the funding agency NSERC (Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada) for providing the necessary financial support for this project.