Nonlinear numerical modelling and experimental validation of multilayer piezoelectric vibration energy scavengers

D. Blažević; S. Zelenika

doi:10.1117/12.2178138

21 May 2015 Nonlinear numerical modelling and experimental validation of multilayer piezoelectric vibration energy scavengers

D. Blažević, S. Zelenika

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 9517, Smart Sensors, Actuators, and MEMS VII; and Cyber Physical Systems; 95171F (2015) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2178138
Event: SPIE Microtechnologies, 2015, Barcelona, Spain

Abstract

Scavenging of low-level ambient vibrations i.e. the conversion of kinetic into electric energy, is proven as effective means of powering low consumption electronic devices such as wireless sensor nodes. Cantilever based scavengers are characterised by several advantages and thus thoroughly investigated; analytical models based on a distributed parameter approach, Euler-Bernoulli beam theory and eigenvalue analysis have thus been developed and experimentally verified. Finite element models (FEM) have also been proposed employing different modelling approaches and commercial software packages with coupled analysis capabilities. An approach of using a FEM analysis of a piezoelectric cantilever bimorph under harmonic excitation is used in this work. Modal, harmonic and linear and nonlinear transient analyses are performed. Different complex dynamic effects are observed and compared to the results obtained by using a distributed parameter model. The influence of two types of finite elements and three mesh densities is also investigated. A complex bimorph cantilever, based on commercially available Midé Technology® Volture energy scavengers, is then considered. These scavengers are characterised by an intricate multilayer structure not investigated so far in literature. An experimental set-up is developed to evaluate the behaviour of the considered class of devices. The results of the modal and the harmonic FEM analyses of the behaviour of the multilayer scavengers are verified experimentally for three different tip masses and 12 different electrical load values. A satisfying agreement between numerical and experimental results is achieved.

Citation Download Citation

D. Blažević and S. Zelenika "Nonlinear numerical modelling and experimental validation of multilayer piezoelectric vibration energy scavengers", Proc. SPIE 9517, Smart Sensors, Actuators, and MEMS VII; and Cyber Physical Systems, 95171F (21 May 2015); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2178138

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