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Updated: Jun 21, 2026

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A Polymer-based Piezoelectric Vibration Energy Harvester with a 3D Meshed-Core Structure
Published on: February 20, 2019
A circular cylindrical, radially polarized ceramic shell piezoelectric transformer.
Weiqiu Chen1, Chaofeng Lü, Jiashi Yang
1Department of Civil Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
Summary
This study introduces a new piezoelectric transformer design using radially polarized ceramics. The research analyzes its performance, offering insights into enhanced energy conversion for electronic devices.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrical Engineering
- Solid Mechanics
Background:
- Piezoelectric transformers are crucial for power conversion.
- Existing designs have limitations in efficiency and operating modes.
- Novel configurations are needed to improve performance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and analyze a novel circular cylindrical shell piezoelectric transformer.
- To investigate the performance of radially polarized ceramics in thickness-stretch modes.
- To compare its characteristics with existing axially polarized designs.
Main Methods:
- Utilized 3-D equations of linear piezoelectricity for theoretical analysis.
- Performed two analyses with different approximations.
- Calculated key performance metrics: transforming ratio, input admittance, and efficiency.
Main Results:
- The proposed radially polarized transformer operates effectively in thickness-stretch modes.
- Performance metrics were quantitatively calculated and compared.
- Identified differences in transforming ratio, input admittance, and efficiency compared to shear mode transformers.
Conclusions:
- The novel piezoelectric transformer design shows potential for efficient energy conversion.
- Thickness-stretch modes with radial polarization offer a viable alternative.
- Further research can optimize this design for practical applications.
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