Modeling of bimorph piezoelectric cantilever beam for voltage generation

Abstract

Piezoelectric materials (PZT) have shown the ability to convert mechanical forces into an electric field in response to the application of mechanical stresses or vice versus. This property of the materials has found extensive applications in a vast array of areas including sensors and actuators. The study presented in this paper targets the modeling of PZT bender for voltage and power generation by transforming ambient vibrations into electrical energy. This device can potentially replace the battery that supplies the power in a micro watt range necessary for operating sensors and data transmission. One of advantages is the maintenance free over a long time span. This paper focuses on the analytical approach based on Euler-Bernoulli beam theory and Timoshenko beam equations for the voltage and power generation, which is then compared with two previously described models in literature; Electrical equivalent circuit and Energy method. The three models are then implemented in Matlab/Simulink/Simpower environment and simulated with an AC/DC power conversion circuit. The results of the simulation and the experiment have been compared and discussed.