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Updated: Jun 15, 2026
09:51
A Polymer-based Piezoelectric Vibration Energy Harvester with a 3D Meshed-Core Structure
Published on: February 20, 2019
Vibration energy harvesting based on integrated piezoelectric components operating in different modes
Junhui Hu1, Januar Jong, Chunsheng Zhao
1School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. ejhhu@ntu.edu.sg
IEEE Transactions on Ultrasonics, Ferroelectrics, and Frequency Control
|February 25, 2010
Summary
This study introduces a novel piezoelectric generator that enhances energy harvesting by using weights to impact piezoelectric components. This "hit mode" significantly boosts energy output compared to traditional strain-based methods.
Area of Science:
- Energy Harvesting
- Materials Science
- Mechanical Engineering
Background:
- Piezoelectric generators based on cantilever beams are crucial for harvesting ambient vibration energy.
- Enhancing the energy-harvesting capability of these generators remains a key research objective.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose and validate a novel piezoelectric generator design that increases vibration energy-harvesting efficiency.
- To investigate the impact of a "hit mode" on piezoelectric energy harvesting performance.
- To compare different methods for managing rectified output voltages.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a prototype piezoelectric generator incorporating weights for impact activation.
- Experimental measurement and analysis of the generator's characteristics.
- Theoretical analysis of weight motion and impact dynamics.
- Comparison of series vs. individual capacitor connections for rectified voltages.
Main Results:
- Piezoelectric components operating in "hit mode" substantially enhance energy harvesting.
- Connecting rectified voltages to individual capacitors is more efficient, avoiding 22.3% energy loss seen in series connections.
- Non-resonant output energy reached 43 nJ per excitation with specific vibration parameters.
Conclusions:
- The proposed "hit mode" significantly improves piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting.
- Individual capacitor management of output voltages is superior to series connection for maximizing harvested energy.
- Theoretical analysis supports experimental findings and guides future generator improvements.
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