Topology Optimization Design of Implantable Energy Harvesting Device

Abstract

When designing implantable biomedical MEMS devices, we must provide electric power source with long life and small size to drive the sensors and actuators work. Obviously, traditional battery is not a good choice because of its large size, limited lifetime and finite power storage. Living creatures all have non-electric energy sources, like mechanical energy from heart beat and pulse. Piezoelectric structure can convert mechanical energy to electric energy. In the same design condition, the more electric energy is generated, the better the piezoelectric structure design. This paper discusses the topology optimization method for the most efficient implantable piezoelectric energy harvesting device. Finally, a design example based on the proposed method is given and the result is discussed.