Simulation and experimental study of notched cantilever beam for improved vibration energy harvesting

Abstract

This research paper addresses the design and analysis of a Notched Cantilever Beam Energy Harvester (NCBEH) aimed at enhancing vibration energy harvesting. The voltage output from Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT) piezoelectric material is directly related to the strain it experiences. Therefore, numerical simulations using ANSYS were conducted to investigate the variations in natural frequency and stress–strain distribution with respect to slot length in a slotted cantilever beam. Additionally, a notch was introduced into the beam to further enhance strain distribution. The study found that, with precise PZT placement, an NCBEH with a 55 mm slot length can generate 15% more voltage output at lower natural frequencies compared to existing Piezoelectric Cantilever Beam Energy Harvesters (PCEH) [1]. Experimental tests were also conducted to compare the voltage output response of the NCBEH and the PCEH, with the results showing good agreement with the numerical simulation findings.