Development of cantilevered energy harvesters coupled with a topologically optimized piezoelectric layer oscillating in vortex

Cheol Kim, Jae Uk Shin, Ju Young Kim

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

An efficient design analysis method for cantilevered beam-type piezoelectric energy harvesters was developed for the prediction of the electric power output, based on the finite element method and the design optimization of piezoelectric materials. The optimum topology of a piezoelectric material layer could be obtained by a newly developed topology optimization technique for piezoelectric materials which utilized the electromechanical coupling equations, MMA (method of moving asymptotes), and SIMP (solid isotropic material with penalization) interpolation. Using the design optimization tool, several cantilevered beam-type piezoelectric energy harvesters which fluctuated in the region of vortex shedding were developed, that consisted of two different material layers - piezoelectric and aluminum layers. In order to obtain maximum electric power, the exciting frequency of the cantilevered energy device must be tuned as close to the natural frequency of the beam as possible. Using the method, the effects of geometric parameters and several piezoelectric materials (PZT, PVDF, and PZT fiber composites) attached to the beam device on power generation were investigated and the electric characteristics were evaluated. The three kinds of material coefficients such as elasticity, capacitance, and piezoelectric coupling are interpolated by element density variables. Then, the shape and size design optimizations for the cantilevered beam geometries with an optimum piezoelectric topology have been performed for a base model.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationActive and Passive Smart Structures and Integrated Systems 2012
DOIs
StatePublished - 2012
EventActive and Passive Smart Structures and Integrated Systems 2012 - San Diego, CA, United States
Duration: 12 Mar 201215 Mar 2012

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume8341
ISSN (Print)0277-786X

Conference

ConferenceActive and Passive Smart Structures and Integrated Systems 2012
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego, CA
Period12/03/1215/03/12

Keywords

  • Cantilevered harvester
  • Piezoelectric material
  • PVDF
  • PZT
  • Topology optimization

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