Simultaneous Energy Harvesting Research Articles

Utilization of Stochastic P-bifurcation for Simultaneous Energy Harvesting and Vibration Suppression: An Experimental Investigation

Abstract This research focuses on the prediction and experimental verification of P-bifurcation as well as the effectiveness in reducing vibrations and harvesting energy with the use of an inertially nonlinear energy harvesting device attached to a single-degree-of-freedom structure subjected to Gaussian broadband base excitation, modeled as white noise. Four experimental scenarios were tested, including three with different resistive loads and one with an open circuit. Frequency domain optimization involved an optimization routine that was designed to minimize the mean squared error in the pendulum velocity's frequency content below two cycles per second while constraining the RMS velocity discrepancy between the simulations and actual experiments to be below 3%. This facilitated accurate predictions of power, vibration suppression, and P-bifurcation. Using the fitted model, an analytically derived P-bifurcation boundary in the noise intensity versus electrical damping plane was presented and experimentally verified. Additionally, power spectral densities for electric power and relative suspended mass velocity were determined for the IPVA system and compared with a top-performing linear system. Results indicated that the monomodal system was the least effective in energy harvesting, while the bimodal and rotational systems significantly enhanced mean and resonant peak power by up to four and two times, respectively. Near the resonant frequency, the peak relative velocity power spectral density decreased by a factor of four, and the mean square relative velocity improved by a factor of two.

Energy-efficient resource allocation for UAV-aided full-duplex OFDMA wireless powered IoT communication networks

The rapid development of wireless-powered Internet of Things (IoT) networks, supported by multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and full-duplex technologies, has opened new avenues for simultaneous data transmission and energy harvesting. In this context, optimizing energy efficiency (EE) is crucial for ensuring sustainable and efficient network operation. This paper proposes a novel approach to EE optimization in multi-UAV-aided wireless-powered IoT networks, focusing on balancing the uplink data transmission rates and total system energy consumption within an orthogonal frequency-division multiple access (OFDMA) framework. This involves formulating the EE optimization problem as a Multi-Objective Optimization Problem (MOOP), consisting of the maximization of the uplink total rate and the minimization of the total system energy consumption, which is then transformed into a Single-Objective Optimization Problem (SOOP) using the Tchebycheff method. To address the non-convex nature of the resulting SOOP, characterized by combinatorial variables and coupled constraints, we developed an iterative algorithm that combines Block Coordinate Descent (BCD) with Successive Convex Approximation (SCA). This algorithm decouples the subcarrier assignment and power control subproblems, incorporates a penalty term to relax integer constraints, and alternates between solving each subproblem until convergence is reached. Simulation results demonstrate that our proposed method outperforms baseline approaches in key performance metrics, highlighting the practical applicability and robustness of our framework for enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of real-world UAV-assisted wireless networks. Our findings provide insights for future research on extending the proposed framework to scenarios involving dynamic UAV mobility, multi-hop communication, and enhanced energy management, thereby supporting the development of next-generation sustainable communication systems.

Multi-functional periodically heterogeneous structures for energy harvesting and vibration attenuation-effects of piezoelectricity and shunting circuits

Abstract We explore a kind of metamaterial plate structures intended for simultaneous energy harvesting and vibration control. These structures are designed using a periodically perforated piezoelectric plate (the matrix) with elastic inclusions situated in the holes and serving for the resonators. The design options comprise two- and three-phase configurations related to the mechanical connection between the matrix and inclusions. By introducing a singularity—the focal spot created as a defect in the perfectly periodic structure and using the theory of super-cell, an enhanced piezoelectric energy harvester is obtained. It is observed that such a meta-structure serves as a dual-purpose system: efficiently capturing vibrational energy at a focal spot while maintaining the overall vibration attenuation throughout the structure. The band gap analysis based on the Bloch’s wave decomposition theory shows that by concentrating energy and halting vibration propagation, approximately 10 times energy harvesting enhancement and a remarkable 100 dB reduction in vibrations are achieved simultaneously. Besides the passive response of these meta-structures, we consider its extension by an external electric circuit (EC). Such modified configurations enable to exploit ‘actively’ the piezoelectric plate property to transmit the mechanical response between two, or more distant locations. Due to nonlocal interactions introduced by means the controllable EC, we consider optimization of the EC impedance to reduce the vibrations at a selected location of the whole structure without any external energy supply. The computational study discovers perspectives and benefits of designing such active self-powered meta-structures.

Simultaneous low-frequency vibration isolation and energy harvesting via attachable metamaterials

In this study, we achieved energy localization and amplification of flexural vibrations by utilizing the defect mode of plate-attachable locally resonant metamaterials, thereby realizing compact and low-frequency vibration energy suppression and energy harvesting with enhanced output performance. We designed a cantilever-based metamaterial unit cell to induce local resonance inside a periodic supercell structure and form a bandgap within the targeted low-frequency range of 300–450 Hz. Subsequently, a defect area was created by removing some unit cells to break the periodicity inside the metamaterial, which led to the isolation and localization of the vibration energy. This localized vibration energy was simultaneously converted into electrical energy by a piezoelectric energy harvester coupled with a metamaterial inside the defect area. Consequently, a substantially enhanced energy harvesting output power was achieved at 360 Hz, which was 43-times higher than that of a bare plate without metamaterials. The proposed local resonant metamaterial offers a useful and multifunctional platform with the capability of vibration energy isolation and harvesting, while exhibiting easy handling via attachable designs that can be tailored in the low-frequency regime.

Electrochemical synthesis of Mn–Ni–S on titania nanotubes as new dual-function electrodes for photo-assisted asymmetric supercapacitors

Photo-assisted energy storage systems, by which solar energy can be both converted and stored, have been of interest in the past few years. Novel energy conversion and storage technology is offered by photo-supercapacitors through the combination of an energy collecting unit and a supercapacitor. This dual-application system effectively generates and stores power in a single device, which makes it appropriate for various purposes. In this work, the electrochemical anodization-electrodeposition has been employed to fabricate manganese-nickel sulfide (Mn–Ni–S) nanostructures on titania nanotubes (TNs) and used them as photoelectrodes in photo-supercapacitors. The high surface area and improved properties make TNs considerably important for energy production and storage. Photoelectrochemical analysis was carried out in a three-electrode system under a xenon (Xe) lamp irradiation using the film prepared as the photoelectrode. The highest photocurrent and photovoltage were shown by MnNiS-3/TN electrode, indicating its superior photosensitivity. Upon illumination under a 0.7 mA/cm2 current density, the area-specific capacitance of MnNiS-3/TN electrode increased from 388.3 to 723.3 mF/cm2, which is 2.0, 3.6, and 12.8 times higher than the corresponding values for NiS/TN, MnS/TN, and bare TN electrodes under similar conditions, respectively. This indicates the considerable enhancement of the capacitance of this electrode induced by light. The desirable light-sensitive properties of MnNiS/TN make it capable of simultaneous solar energy harvesting and storage. Light sensitivity makes it possible to charge MnNiS/TN optically. More importantly, upon light irradiation, the capacity can be increased from 374.7 to 630.2 mF/cm2 (current density 0.5 mA/cm2) compared to the corresponding value in the dark. Using MnNiS-3/TN as the best photoelectrode and MnS/FTO, NiS/FTO, MnNiS-1/FTO, MnNiS-2/FTO, and MnNiS-3/FTO as the counter electrodes, photo-charged through light illumination on their surfaces, five asymmetric solid-state photo-supercapacitors (ASSPS) were prepared. MnNiS-3/TN//MnNiS-3/FTO device showed the largest CV curve area, which indicated its highest areal capacitance. High capacitance gain under irradiation (155.7% at 2.0 mA/cm2) and outstanding capacitance maintenance (97.9% over 10000 cycles) were shown by this ASSPS. Furthermore, a great energy density of 4855.4 mWh/cm2 was shown by the MnNiS-3/TN//MnNiS-3/FTO device under light irradiation. This research introduces a novel approach to the development of powerful solar energy conversion/storage devices.

An Efficient MnO2 Photocathode with an Excellent SnO2 Electron Transport Layer for Photo-Accelerated Zinc Ion Batteries.

Photo-accelerated rechargeable batteries play a crucial role in fully utilizing solar energy, but it is still a challenge to fabricate dual-functional photoelectrodes with simultaneous high solar energy harvesting and storage. This work reports an innovative photo-accelerated zinc-ion battery (PAZIB) featuring a photocathode with a SnO2@MnO2 heterojunction. The design ingeniously combines the excellent electronic conductivity of SnO2 with the high energy storage and light absorption capacities of MnO2. The capacity of the SnO2@MnO2-based PAZIB is ≈598mAh g-1 with a high photo-conversion efficiency of 1.2% under illumination at 0.1 A g-1, which is superior to that of most reported MnO2-based ZIB. The boosting performance is attributed to the synergistic effect of enhanced photogenerated carrier separation efficiency, improved conductivity, and promoted charge transfer by the SnO2@MnO2 heterojunction, which is confirmed by systematic experiments and theoretical simulations. This work provides valuable insights into the development of dual-function photocathodes for effective solar energy utilization.

Generalized utilization of energy harvesting ability of TENG for concurrent energy storage and motion sensing application with effective external circuitry

Utilizing triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) for simultaneous mechanical energy harvesting and sensing applications is a crucial and challenging endeavor that can improve TENG-based self-powered sensing systems. However, this issue remains relatively underexplored and thus, it is the primary focus here. We propose a simple and generalizable external circuitry achieving simultaneous energy storage and sensing from the TENGs. Commonly available polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) triboelectric film is dielectrically modified by loading synthesized sodium tantalate filler particles with high dielectricity. The fabricated films and aluminum tape are utilized as negative and positive triboelectric films. The electrical performance of the TENG operated in contact-separation mode is optimized based on the filler concentration in the PDMS film and the maximum electrical output of ∼ 195 V, ∼ 6.27 µA, and ∼ 44 µC/m2 is observed. Completely analyzed TENG with highly efficient and stable electrical output (for more than 10,000 operational cycles) is utilized for further experiments. Various fundamental voltage divider (VD) (capacitive, resistive, and inductive) electrical circuits are fabricated and their successful utilization for dividing the electrical output from the TENG is demonstrated. After a comprehensive analysis of the compatibility between the VD and TENG, it is determined that inductive and resistive VDs are the optimal choice. Owing to its simplicity, the resistive VD is further utilized to construct real-time vehicle speed sensing and approaching direction-finding applications. The proposed simple and generalized state-of-the-art process for simultaneous energy storage and sensing through the TENG could be revolutionary, potentially expanding its applicative scope significantly.

Stochastic response and stability analysis of nonlinear vehicle energy-regenerative suspension system with time delay

With the rapid development of new energy vehicles, a novel vehicle energy-regenerative suspension for simultaneous vibration suppression and energy harvesting has become one of the key development directions of the next generation of vehicle design. In order to improve the performance of suspension system, the time-delayed feedback control is applied to the novel suspension system subjected to different external excitation. At the same time, there are few studies related to the stochastic dynamics of nonlinear vehicle energy-regenerative suspension system with time delay. This paper studies stochastic response and stability of nonlinear vehicle energy-regenerative suspension with time-delayed feedback control under the excitation of Gaussian white noise. First of all, a stochastic dynamic model of the nonlinear vehicle energy-regenerative suspension with time delay system is established. Secondly, using the stochastic averaging method based on generalized harmonic function, the steady-state probability density function (PDF) of amplitude is obtained. The accuracy of the presented approach is verified through the comparison of analytical and numerical solutions. In addition, through combining the stochastic averaging method with the Khasminskii method, the top Lyapunov exponent (TLE) of the system is obtained, and then the influence of time delay and system parameters on the asymptotic Lyapunov stability is discussed. Finally, the effects of time delay and system parameters on system performance are also studied.

Active tuned mass damper for a benchmark tall building using an energy-harvesting electromagnetic damper

Among various structural vibration control categories, active control typically provides superior control performance. However, its high energy demand often limits its extensive implementation in large-scale civil structures. Very recently, electromagnetic dampers, which can convert kinetic energy into electrical energy, have emerged as a novel solution for active control with reduced or even zero energy consumption. This study explored the feasibility of an energy-harvesting active tuned mass damper (ATMD) by using an electromagnetic damper for simultaneous vibration suppression and energy harvesting. Numerical simulations were conducted for a full-scale, 76-story benchmark building equipped with the proposed design. The proposed ATMD outperforms the optimised passive counterpart of the same mass, as the former introduces an evident reduction in displacement responses. Furthermore, the proposed ATMD can offer a commensurate control performance to a passive damper with a weight three times heavier. The proposed ATMD also exhibits promising energy-harvesting performance, achieving an average output power at the kilowatt level. The results suggest that electromagnetic devices hold great potential for large-scale applications in civil structures, paving the way for a prosperous future in this field.

Mobility-Enhancement Simultaneous Optical Wireless Communication and Energy Harvesting System for IoUT

Mobility-Enhancement Simultaneous Optical Wireless Communication and Energy Harvesting System for IoUT

Examining the effect of different photovoltaic modules on cucumber crops in a greenhouse agrivoltaic system: A case study

Agrivoltaic systems, a fusion of agriculture and photovoltaic (PV) technology, have emerged as a sustainable solution to optimise land use by enabling simultaneous solar energy and agricultural harvesting. The experiments were conducted in a polytunnel greenhouse in Kfar Qara, Israel, deploying three types of semi-transparent solar PV panels—bifacial glass-encapsulated silicon, bifacial plastic-encapsulated silicon, and semi-transparent organic photovoltaics (OPVs) installed above the plant canopy. The impact of these PV treatments on cucumber crops was evaluated and juxtaposed against a control greenhouse with no panels, over the spring season from February to June 2022. Key growth and yield metrics were recorded during 17 harvests between April 10 and June 2, 2022. The findings revealed a negligible decline in crop yield across PV panel treatments compared to the control. Notably, the control and glass-encapsulated silicon PV treatments demonstrated an increase in yield, growth, and fruit quality. Moreover, the glass-encapsulated silicon PV panels outperformed the plastic-encapsulated and OPV module power conversion in the high heat and humidity of the greenhouse environment. This study accentuates the potential of integrating glass-encapsulated silicon PV panels in polytunnel greenhouses, heralding a promising avenue for bolstering agrivoltaic applications by ensuring a harmonious balance between agricultural yield and electrical energy production.

All‐Polarized Elastic Wave Attenuation and Harvesting via Chiral Mechanical Metamaterials

AbstractManipulating elastic waves of all polarizations is highly challenging due to the complex behavior of elastic waves. To achieve simultaneous broadband vibration attenuation and energy harvesting across all polarizations of elastic waves at low‐frequency ranges, a chiral mechanical metamaterial‐based energy harvester is proposed in this study. The systematic development of a complete bandgap and defect structure is achieved through theoretical eigenfrequency analysis and numerical simulations. The defect structure is incorporated to induce defect modes for all wave polarizations within the complete bandgap region, ensuring their compatibility with the overall shape of the structure. The proposed chiral mechanical metamaterial with defect (CMMD) demonstrated significant performance improvements, achieving electrical output power enhancements that are 20.5 times for flexural waves and 511.4 times for longitudinal‐torsional waves compared to the defectless chiral mechanical metamaterial. This study accentuates the thoughtful design and multifaceted utility of chiral mechanical metamaterials, paving the way for their application not only in energy harvesting but also in wave attenuation for various polarizations.

Simultaneous vibration isolation and energy harvesting via a new negative stiffness system with inertial amplifier

The negative stiffness system provides significant vibration isolation. The conversion of mechanical energy from structural vibrations into electrical energy is an effective method of energy harvesting. In this paper, a new negative stiffness system (NSS) with inertial amplifier for vibration isolation and energy harvesting is established, whose main purpose is to achieve good vibration isolation effect while the system can achieve the purpose of energy harvesting. Inertial amplifiers are used to improve the dynamic effective mass of the system, thereby reducing the natural frequency of the system. Using the multi-scale method, the amplitude-frequency response equation of the system is derived and the amplitude-frequency characteristic curve is plotted. The Lyapunov exponent, the root mean square of the voltage of the piezoelectric system and the basin of attraction are introduced to analyze the energy harvesting performance of the system. Numerical results show that the inertial amplifier improves the vibration isolation capacity of the negative stiffness structure in the low-frequency band. There is a correlation between the basin of attraction, the Lyapunov exponent, and the root mean square of voltage.

Exploiting multi-stiffness combination inspired absorbers for simultaneous energy harvesting and vibration mitigation

In scenarios where wide-amplitude shock excitation is encountered, a routine bistable configuration struggles to achieve satisfactory energy transfer, and a sensible combination of multiple nonlinear oscillators with different stiffness mechanisms can be exploited to achieve optimal vibration mitigation performance. In this paper, a nonlinear energy conversion and multi-stiffness combination inspired dynamic vibration absorber (NECMC-DVA) is proposed with a magnetic-spring tunable nonlinear stiffness element as the substructure. Parametric studies are performed for different modes of magnet-spring tunable nonlinear stiffness unit arrays considering transient impulses and harmonic excitation. The NECMC-DVA device, which comprises bistable oscillators, cubic stiffness oscillators, and hybrid stiffness oscillators, is also experimentally demonstrated for its synergistic performance in vibration mitigation and energy harvesting. The performance of the NECMC-DVA is measured under transient impulses and harmonic excitations. It has been found that the NECMC-DVA, which consists of a bistable oscillator, a cubic stiffness oscillator, a hybrid stiffness oscillator, energy-capture elements, and motor sequences, achieves high-efficiency nonlinear energy transfer and significant shock robustness in wide-amplitude impulsive scenarios. The NECMC-DVA with hybrid energy sinks demonstrates more remarkable targeted energy transfer and energy conversion performance than its pure bistable oscillator counterpart. Furthermore, the NECMC-DVA prototype can achieve adaptive vibration control modulation and energy conversion management through motion control boards by monitoring ambient excitation signals. Therefore, the NECMC-DVA enables integrated active and passive mitigation and energy harvesting to simultaneously accommodate multi-source indeterminate vibration and shock environments.

On a Nonlinear Locally Resonant Metamaterial With Resistance-Inductance Shunt

Abstract Numerous recent works have established the potential of various types of metamaterials for simultaneous vibration control and energy harvesting. In this paper, we investigate a weakly nonlinear metamaterial with electromechanical (EM) local resonators coupled to a resistance-inductance shunt circuit, a system with no previous examination in the literature. An analytical solution is developed for the system, using the perturbation method of multiple scales, and validated through direct numerical integration. The resulting linear and nonlinear band structures are used for parametric analysis of the system, focusing on the effect of resonator and shunt circuit parameters on band gap formation and vibration attenuation. This band structure analysis informs further study of the system through wavepacket excitation as well as spectro-spatial analysis. The voltage response of the system is studied through spatial profiles and spectrograms to observe the effects of shunt inductance, nonlinearity, and their interactions. Results describe the impact of adding a shunted inductor, including significant changes to the band structure; multiple methods of tuning band gaps and pass bands of the system; and changes to wave propagation and voltage response. The results demonstrate the flexibility of the proposed metamaterial and its potential for both vibration control and energy harvesting, specifically compared to a previously studied system with resistance-only shunt.

A nonlinear analysis of a Duffing oscillator with a nonlinear electromagnetic vibration absorber–inerter for concurrent vibration mitigation and energy harvesting

Several investigators have taken advantage of electromagnetic shunt-tuned mass dampers to achieve concurrent vibration mitigation and energy harvesting. For nonlinear structures such as the Duffing oscillator, it has been shown that the novel nonlinear electromagnetic resonant shunt-tuned mass damper inerter (NERS-TMDI) can mitigate vibration and extract energy for a wider range of frequencies and forcing amplitudes when compared to competing technologies. However, nonlinear systems such as the NERS-TMDI are known to exhibit complex stability behavior, which can strongly influence their performance in simultaneous vibration control and energy harvesting. To address this problem, this paper conducts a global stability analysis of the novel NERS-TMDI using three approaches: the multi-parametric recursive continuationWe emphasize that these assume method, Floquet theory, and Lyapunov exponents. A comprehensive parametric analysis is also performed to evaluate the impact of key design parameters on the global stability of the system. The outcome indicates the existence of complex nonlinear behavior, such as detached resonance curves, and the transition of periodic stable solutions to chaotic solutions. Additionally, a parametric study demonstrates that the nonlinear stiffness has a minimal impact on the linear stability of the system but can significantly impact the nonlinear stability performance, while the transducer coefficient has an impact on the linear and nonlinear stability NERS-TMDI. Finally, the global sensitivity analysis is performed relative to system parameters to quantify the impact of uncertainty in system parameters on the dynamics. Overall, our findings show that simultaneous vibration control and energy harvesting come with a considerable instability trade-off that limits the range of operation of the NERS-TMDI.

Enhancing solar efficiency around the clock through simultaneous solar energy harvesting and radiative cooling

Despite global urbanization, a significant part of the world's population lacks access to the electrical grid. Photovoltaic (PV) cells offer off-grid electricity but face efficiency challenges and shortened lifespans due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures. While PV cells traditionally generate electricity only during daylight, our innovative system integrates radiative cooling (RC), thermoelectric generators (TE), and phase change materials (PCM). In comprehensive tests, our system effectively lowered the PV module temperature by 15 °C during daylight at 800 W/m2 irradiance. Under a clear night sky, it achieved a remarkable 20 % improvement in power generation (120 mV) compared to previous studies. This advancement positions our system as a continuous power source for sustained electricity generation in off-grid settings, contributing to temperature moderation and extending Photovoltaic module lifespan without compromising efficiency. To optimize performance, we used COMSOL software, analyzing factors like wind speed, ambient temperature, irradiation intensity, and the photovoltaic cell to thermoelectric generator area ratio. Insights from this analysis form the basis for future enhancements and upgrades.

Fishery waste-driven piezo-capacitor as unprecedented energy conversion and storage for real-time monitoring device

The single-device mechanism of energy conversion and storage is highly needed for continuously running electronic devices. It is not only for the conversion and storage of mechanical energy into electricity; it gives a solution for environmental problems. The development of the integrated device has attracted much attention due to its minimum space requirement, zero energy loss, and cost in power management. Here we analyzed the integrated function of simultaneous mechanical energy harvesting and storage devices using treated fish bones as an electrode and fins with scales as a piezo separator. This method it makes possible to benefit from the conductive network of the integrated device. The excessively fast self-charging properties of the device were analyzed by a mechanical-driven modulator. The smart capacitor delivers excellent specific capacitance, fast charging, and good cyclic stability at a continuous mechanical pressing (500 s) and it reaches 1.32 V in 10 s, with an outstanding current output of 7 mA. Moreover, impressive charging for mobile phones and smart watches can be achieved from the assembled 7 devices at a shoe heal. This work delivers an innovative approach to developing a comfortable, sustainable energy storage device for continuous monitoring sensors.

Magnetic field and ultrasound induced simultaneous wireless energy harvesting

A dual energy harvester based upon the magnetoelectric mechanism is reported. The harvester can generate ∼52.1 mW under simultaneously applied magnetic field and ultrasound in porcine tissue operating under safety limits.

Energy harvesting and inter-floor impact noise control using an optimally tuned hybrid damping system

Impact-loaded floor structures radiate undesired sound waves into adjacent rooms, compromising the acoustic comfort. On the other hand, substantial structural vibrations caused by the impact loading offer a promising energy source for harvesting. Nevertheless, a systematic analytical or numerical investigation of simultaneous inter-floor impact sound transmission control and energy harvesting appears to be missing. Current study describes the conceptual development of a fully coupled 3D analytical model of a dual-functional double-plate floor structure optimized for hybrid regenerative control of inter-floor impact sound transmission. Leveraging multi-mode shunted piezoelectric and Electromagnetic Damper (EMD) energy transduction mechanisms, the model structure is composed of two PZT sandwich plates, which are interlinked through a Nonlinear Vibration Absorber (NVA)-based EMD. The finite Fourier cosine transform and standard normal mode approach are employed to treat the governing acousto-elastic equations. Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II is applied to tune the system parameters along Pareto frontiers to target maximum pressure mitigation, maximum energy harvesting, or dual-objective optimization, which hires advantageous features from both configurations for an optimal trade-off between them. Simulations reveal that elasto-acoustic response suppression and energy extraction of the employed stand-alone PZT-based conversion mechanism can be remarkably improved with the adopted optimized hybrid PZT/NVA/EMD-equipped system.