Development of an innovative energy harvesting device using MFC bimorphs

Majid Tabesh; The Nguyen; Amin M. Motlagh; Mohammad Elahinia

doi:10.1117/12.817576

6 April 2009 Development of an innovative energy harvesting device using MFC bimorphs

Majid Tabesh, The Nguyen, Amin M. Motlagh, Mohammad Elahinia

Proceedings Volume 7288, Active and Passive Smart Structures and Integrated Systems 2009; 72880F (2009) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.817576
Event: SPIE Smart Structures and Materials + Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring, 2009, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Recently, widespread attention has been directed towards scavenging energy from renewable sources such as wind. Piezoelectric materials are particularly suitable for capturing energy from motion since mechanical deflection of a piezoelectric specimen results in an electric displacement. This electricity can be stored in batteries or used to power portable devices. The present work is on the development of a device that can generate electricity from an oscillating motion using a piezoelectric Macro Fiber Composite (MFC) bimorph. Previously, bimorph vibration was created by a rotating or reciprocating part hitting the bimorph tip; whereas in the current work, base reciprocation excites the piezoelectric bimorph. The device includes a fan blade, which aligns with the direction of the wind and moves a rod in vertical direction. The microfiber composite beams (MFC) are attached to the upper end of the rod. Reciprocation of the rod acts as a harmonic excitation for the MFC bimorphs. Vibration of the MFCs produces electricity which is stored in a capacitor to be used to power electronic systems such as different types of remote sensors. Simulation and experimental results have been compared. In vibration and wind tunnel experiments, comparable amounts of energy were collected and accumulated in a capacitor.

Citation Download Citation

Majid Tabesh, The Nguyen, Amin M. Motlagh, and Mohammad Elahinia "Development of an innovative energy harvesting device using MFC bimorphs", Proc. SPIE 7288, Active and Passive Smart Structures and Integrated Systems 2009, 72880F (6 April 2009); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.817576

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available