Design Parameters Affecting the Performance of Vortex-Induced Vibration Harvesters

Area of Science:

• Mechanical Engineering
• Energy Harvesting
• Vibrational Energy Conversion

Background:

• Vortex-induced vibration (VIV) harvesters commonly use small piezoelectric patches near the cantilever clamp.
• Optimal placement and design are crucial for maximizing energy harvesting efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To improve energy harvesting performance of VIV harvesters.
• To investigate the effects of extended piezoelectric patch length and modified bluff body dimensions (length and mass).
• To develop and validate a novel analytical model for predicting output voltage.

Main Methods:

• Development of a novel analytical model based on dimensionless numbers to predict output voltage.
• Fabrication of prototype harvesters with varying designs.
• Experimental determination of natural frequencies and damping ratios.
• Wind tunnel testing to assess energy harvesting performance.

Main Results:

• The analytical model identifies key design parameters influencing harvester performance.
• Optimal performance was achieved with a piezoelectric patch length of approximately 20% of the cantilever length.
• A long bluff body with minimal mass yielded the best energy harvesting results.
• Experimental findings align with the predictions of the analytical model.

Conclusions:

• Extending piezoelectric patch length and optimizing bluff body design significantly enhance VIV harvester performance.
• The developed analytical model provides valuable guidance for designing and interpreting experiments.
• Minimal bluff body mass and extended patch length are critical for efficient VIV energy harvesting.