Model-based design of piezoelectric energy harvesting systems

Jens Twiefel; Björn Richter; Tobias Hemsel; Jörg Wallaschek

doi:10.1117/12.658623

17 March 2006 Model-based design of piezoelectric energy harvesting systems

Jens Twiefel, Björn Richter, Tobias Hemsel, Jörg Wallaschek

Proceedings Volume 6169, Smart Structures and Materials 2006: Damping and Isolation; 616909 (2006) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.658623
Event: SPIE Smart Structures and Materials + Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring, 2006, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

In the design process of energy harvesting systems based on piezoelectric elements, achievable energy output is the most interesting factor. To estimate this amount a priori manufacturing of prototypes a mathematical model is very helpful. Within this contribution we will introduce a model based on electro-mechanical circuit theory. Its parameters are identified by measurements and the model is validated by comparison to experimental results. The model is designed to support the development-engineer in the dimensioning of energy harvesting units to specific application demands. Two main challenges in device design are investigated with the mathematical model: influence of the ambient excitation frequency, and influence of the load impedance. Typically, the equivalent model approach delivers models for piezoelectric elements that are driven in resonance by electrical excitation. In the case of energy harvesting the piezoelectric elements are excited mechanically and most often non-resonant. Thus, we first set up a mechanical equivalent model for base excited systems. In first approximation it represents an energy harvesting unit around one resonance frequency. The model is expandable for a wider frequency range using the superpositioning of multiple circuits. From the viewpoint of optimum energy transformation between mechanical and electrical energy it is favorable to drive piezoelectric elements at resonance or anti-resonance. Thus, an energy harvesting system should be tuned to the excitation frequency.

Citation Download Citation

Jens Twiefel, Björn Richter, Tobias Hemsel, and Jörg Wallaschek "Model-based design of piezoelectric energy harvesting systems", Proc. SPIE 6169, Smart Structures and Materials 2006: Damping and Isolation, 616909 (17 March 2006); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.658623

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available