Open AccessPiezoelectric-silicone structure for vibration energy harvesting: experimental testing and modelling
Author(s) -
Daniel Ząbek,
Rhys Pullins,
M. R. Pearson,
Andrzej Grzebielec,
Tadeusz Skoczkowski
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
smart materials and structures
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.898
H-Index - 154
eISSN - 1361-665X
pISSN - 0964-1726
DOI - 10.1088/1361-665x/abd964
Subject(s) - silicone rubber , energy harvesting , lead zirconate titanate , piezoelectricity , vibration , materials science , electric potential energy , mechanical energy , natural rubber , acceleration , composite number , power (physics) , electric power , structural health monitoring , acoustics , composite material , mechanical engineering , engineering , optoelectronics , dielectric , physics , classical mechanics , quantum mechanics , ferroelectricity
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 μ W 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.