Topology Optimization of a Folded Beam Piezoelectric Energy Harvester

Abstract

In this work, we present the topology optimization of a piezoelectric energy harvester device for broadband energy harvesting. Common design goal of such multi-resonant devices is to have a constant, usable power output over a large range of operational frequencies. The presented folded beam energy harvester aims for its first two resonance frequencies being in close proximity. In order to achieve this goal, we consider topology optimization with different goal functions: compliance-based and frequency-based. Even though both goal functions deliver novel designs, the experimental results show that the frequency-based goal function outperforms the current implementation of the compliance-based approach.