A microbeam based piezoelectric energy harvester with LASMP

Abstract

This work developed a piezoelectric micro-beam based energy harvester laminated with light activated shape memory polymer (LASMP). With noncontact mechanism and dynamic Young’s modulus of LASMP, natural frequency of the energy harvester can be tuned during light exposure. Based on modified couple stress theory, the governing equation of the size-dependent micro-beam is derived via Hamilton’s principle. Analytic solution of natural frequency and power output of the micro-beam is presented. Influence of size effect and dynamic Young’s modulus of LASMP on natural frequency and power output is investigated. Present research suggested that application of LASMP in micro-engineering is potential and effective.

Keywords:

• Light activated shape memory polymer
• micro-beam
• piezoelectric energy harvester
• size-effect