Design and Multi-physics Analysis of Anemovane Using the Piezoelectric Unimorph

Abstract

We propose and describe an anemovane that can detect wind speed in all directions owing to its sea urchin-like shape. In this design, cantilevers project from the sphere, imitating sea-urchin prickles. When wind hits the cantilevers, the pressure sends a voltage signal through the piezoelectric unimorph bender. The velocity of the wind can then be calculated from this voltage signal. This research describes the theoretical analysis of the piezoelectric unimorph bender and the multi-physics analysis performed by combining the fluid, the solid structure, and the piezoelectric material, and the verification of the optimal design.

Keywords:

• Anemovane
• piezoelectric unimorph bender
• multi-physics analysis

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant funded by the Korea government (MEST) (No. 2012-0009458). This research was financially supported by Changwon National University in 2011–2012.