Piezoelectric energy harvesting system suitable for remotely placed sensors with inter-digitated design

Abstract

Powering of remotely placed sensors or health monitoring devices for bridges, large buildings or aircrafts, are more difficult. Here comes the need of an energy harvesting system that can scavenge energy from the vibrations produced by the wind or vibrations from the surroundings. Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting System (PEHS) is found suitable for these applications, since it is capable of converting the mechanical vibrations or pressure variations into electrical output. Piezoelectric materials are preferred due to the attractive features like high energy density, compactness and light weight. They are most suitable for powering Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) sensors of aircraft structures, bridges, buildings etc. For optimizing the PEHS, understanding and characterization of the sources of vibration/ stress and the displacement are helpful. Introduction of interdigitated electrodes in the PEHS ensure the uniform electric field along the piezoelectric fiber material and hence, enhance the actuation. This is really good news for the electronic designers that, the energy harvested from the Interdigitated PEHS can be used for providing power to many remote applications like structural health monitoring, wireless sensors and other such requirements.