Piezoelectric-silicone structure for vibration energy harvesting: experimental testing and modelling

Daniel Zabek,Andrzej Grzebielec,Matthew Pearson,Tadeusz Skoczkowski,Rhys Pullins

doi:10.1088/1361-665x/abd964

Daniel Zabek, Andrzej Grzebielec + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-665x/abd964

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Abstract

Mechanical vibrations from heavy machines, building structures, or the human body can be harvested and directly converted into electrical energy. In this paper, the potential to effectively harvest mechanical vibrations and locally generate electrical energy using a novel piezoelectric-rubber composite structure is explored. Piezoelectric lead zirconate titanate is bonded to silicone rubber to form a cylindrical composite-like energy harvesting device which has the potential to structurally dampen high acceleration forces and generate electrical power. The device was experimentally load tested and an advanced dynamic model was verified against experimental data. While an experimental output power of 57 μW cm−3 was obtained, the advanced model further optimises the device geometry. The proposed energy harvesting device generates sufficient electrical power for structural health monitoring and remote sensing applications, while also providing structural damping for low frequency mechanical vibrations.

Highlights

Electrical energy generation is paramount in a fully electrified world powering transport, lighting, computing and health
When using piezoelectric ceramics various challenges on the device level arise such as, small mechanical designs, material selection and electrical circuits which usually limit the potential of piezoelectric energy harvesting devices
This paper proposes a piezoelectric tube directly attached to a rubber material as a composite piezoelectric energy harvesting structure

Summary

Introduction

Electrical energy generation is paramount in a fully electrified world powering transport, lighting, computing and health. The harvested electrical energy provides a route for the realisation of autonomous and selfpowered, low-power electronic devices [1]. Usually multiple design challenges exist on a device level when tailoring piezoelectric materials towards a specific mechanical energy source For this reason, advanced piezoelectric geometries for specific mechanical frequencies and forces are increasingly being developed. A direct utilisation of piezoelectric tubes for energy harvesting remains difficult due to the stiff and brittle nature of ceramics For this reason, this paper proposes a piezoelectric tube directly attached to a rubber material as a composite piezoelectric energy harvesting structure. The structure combines powerful piezoelectric ceramics with soft and flexible silicone-rubber creating a piezoelectric energy harvesting device from two dissimilar materials, each with opposing mechanical properties. This paper demonstrates a feasible piezoelectric energy harvesting device utilising off-the-shelf components and providing a route to cost-effective recovery of mechanical energy on a small scale

Methodology

Dynamic testing

Finite element model

Results and discussions

Conclusions