Kinetic Energy Harvesting with a Piezoelectric Patch Using a Bistable Laminate
Sonia Bradai1, Slim Naifar2,3, Piotr Wolszczak4,5
1Measurement and Sensor Technology, Technische Universität Chemnitz, Reichenhainer Straße 70, 09126 Chemnitz, Germany.
Micromachines
|April 26, 2025
Summary
This study demonstrates kinetic energy harvesting using a bistable composite plate with a piezoelectric patch. The novel design utilizes friction-induced excitation and shape-changing capabilities for efficient energy generation.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Mechanical Engineering
- Energy Harvesting
Background:
- Bistable composite structures offer unique mechanical properties.
- Piezoelectric materials are effective for converting mechanical vibrations into electrical energy.
- Kinetic energy harvesting from ambient vibrations is a growing field.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the kinetic energy harvesting potential of a bistable laminate structure.
- To evaluate the performance of a piezoelectric patch integrated with the bistable plate.
- To analyze the influence of mass distribution on energy harvesting capabilities.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a composite bistable plate using autoclave with varied glass fiber orientations.
- Dynamic testing on a universal testing machine with cyclic vertical compression.
- Utilizing friction-induced excitation from a sliding upper clamp.
- Measurement of voltage and normalized power output from the piezoelectric element.
Main Results:
- The bistable plate successfully harvested kinetic energy through its inherent shape-changing mechanism.
- Friction-induced excitation effectively drove the piezoelectric element.
- Altering mass distribution affected the plate's natural frequency and energy harvesting performance.
Conclusions:
- The tested bistable laminate structure with a piezoelectric patch is a viable method for kinetic energy harvesting.
- The design leverages controlled friction and bistability for efficient energy generation.
- Further optimization of mass distribution can enhance energy harvesting efficiency.
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