Abstract
The aim of this work is to design a piezoelectric power generation system that extracts power from the vibration of a cantilever beam. A semi-cylinder placed in a water stream and attached to the beam is excited into vortex-induced vibrations (VIV), which triggers the piezoelectric deformation. The mechanical system is modelled using parametric equations based on Hamilton’s extended principle for the cantilever beam and the modified Van der Pol model for the bluff body (the semi-cylinder). These equations are simulated using the MATLAB software. The dimensions of the model, the flow velocity and the resistance are treated as design parameters and an optimization study is conducted using MATLAB to determine the combination of optimal values at which maximum power is extracted. The key findings of this research lie in the identification of the effect of changing the design parameters on output power. In addition to the numerical simulation, a finite element analysis is carried out on the bluff body and the hydrodynamic forces and velocity profiles are observed. It is determined that the vibration amplitudes increase with increasing diameter of the bluff body, length of the bluff body and water velocity.
Highlights
Traditional fossil-fuel-based power plants tend to pose many risks to the environment including releasing particulate matter that binds to nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide, which in turn causes health problems such as asthma, bronchitis and premature death [1]
The flow excites the cylinder into crossflow vibrations, which causes the deformation of a piezoelectric beam attached to it
The power generation is the outcome of the deformation of a piezoelectric beam
Summary
Traditional fossil-fuel-based power plants tend to pose many risks to the environment including releasing particulate matter that binds to nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide, which in turn causes health problems such as asthma, bronchitis and premature death [1]. The same water used for cooling is discharged back into the water, only in its pollutant form, which is extremely harmful to the aquatic life [1] These risks are only two of many. Hydropower mainly comes in the form of dams that control water flow and turbines which, in turn, convert stored energy in the water to electrical energy. This method of power generation is accompanied by a few risks. A different method of power generation from water flow is examined in this paper This technique involves the flow of water over a cylinder immersed in a river stream. The flow excites the cylinder into crossflow vibrations, which causes the deformation of a piezoelectric beam attached to it
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
