Simulation Studies on Energy Harvesting Characterisitcs and Storage Analysis Through Microcantilever Vibration
01 Feb 2018-International Journal of Nanoscience (World Scientific Publishing Company)-Vol. 17, pp 1760024
TL;DR: In this article, a rectangular model for cantilever-based piezoelectric energy harvester is proposed with different designs like two layer, two layer with proof mass, four layer and four layer with proven mass designed with dimensions as 50m×50μm×1μm for each layer.
Abstract: Vibrations can be a good source of energy and can be harvested and utilized by simple design and fabrication using the MEMS technology. Energy harvesting provides unending sources of energy for low-power electronics devices where the use of batteries is not feasible. Piezoelectric energy harvesters are widely considered because of their compact design, compatibility to MEMS devices and ability to respond to a wide range of frequencies freely available in the environment. In this project, a rectangular model for cantilever-based piezoelectric energy harvester is proposed with different designs like two layer, two layer with proof mass, four layer and four layer with proof mass designed with dimensions as 50μm×50μm×1μm for each layer using COMSOL Multiphysics 5.0. Simulation results were obtained using silicon as substrate, aluminium as electrodes and PZT-5H and ZnO as piezoelectric materials and the respective stress and voltages were obtained by applying a force acting on foot, train, roller coaster and a general value of 10N/m2 on top of the cantilever. The effects of varying geometrical dimensions of the device were also investigated.
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TL;DR: The electromechanical modeling of a pVEH microdevice with a novel resonant structure for air conditioning vents at office buildings and an analytical model is developed to predict the first bending resonant frequency and deflections of the microdevice.
Abstract: Piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting (pVEH) microdevices can convert the mechanical vibrations to electrical voltages. In the future, these microdevices can provide an alternative to replace the electrochemical batteries, which cause contamination due to their toxic materials. We present the electromechanical modeling of a pVEH microdevice with a novel resonant structure for air conditioning vents at office buildings. This electromechanical modeling includes different multilayers and cross-sections of the microdevice resonator as well as the air damping. This microdevice uses a flexible substrate and it does not include toxics materials. The microdevice has a resonant structure formed by multilayer beams and U-shape proof mass of UV-resin (730 μm thickness). The multilayer beams contain flexible substrates (160 μm thickness) of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), two aluminum electrodes (100 nm thickness), and a ZnO layer (2 μm thickness). An analytical model is developed to predict the first bending resonant frequency and deflections of the microdevice. This model considers the Rayleigh and Macaulay methods, and the Euler-Bernoulli beam theory. In addition, the electromechanical behavior of the microdevice is determined through the finite element method (FEM) models. In these FEM models, the output power of the microdevice is obtained using different sinusoidal accelerations. The microdevice has a resonant frequency of 60.3 Hz, a maximum deflection of 2.485 mm considering an acceleration of 1.5 m/s², an output voltage of 2.854 V and generated power of 37.45 μW with a load resistance of 217.5 kΩ. An array of pVEH microdevices connected in series could be used to convert the displacements of air conditioning vents at office buildings into voltages for electronic devices and sensors.
8 citations
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TL;DR: In this paper, the importance of energy harvesting using ZnO nanostructures is discussed, mainly focusing on photovoltaics, piezoelectric nanogenerators, and hybrid approach to energy harvesting.
341 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a nonlinear dynamic model of motion actuators based on ionic polymer metal composites (IPMCs) working in air is presented, where significant quantities ruling the acting properties of IPMC-based actuators are taken into account.
Abstract: This paper introduces a comprehensive nonlinear dynamic model of motion actuators based on ionic polymer metal composites (IPMCs) working in air. Significant quantities ruling the acting properties of IPMC-based actuators are taken into account. The model is organized as follows. As a first step, the dependence of the IPMC absorbed current on the voltage applied across its thickness is taken into account; a nonlinear circuit model is proposed to describe this relationship. In a second step the transduction of the absorbed current into the IPMC mechanical reaction is modelled. The model resulting from the cascade of both the electrical and the electromechanical stages represents a novel contribution in the field of IPMCs, capable of describing the electromechanical behaviour of these materials and predicting relevant quantities in a large range of applied signals. The effect of actuator scaling is also investigated, giving interesting support to the activities involved in the design of actuating devices based on these novel materials. Evidence of the excellent agreement between the estimations obtained by using the proposed model and experimental signals is given.
256 citations
01 Oct 2010-Microsystem Technologies-micro-and Nanosystems-information Storage and Processing Systems
TL;DR: In this paper, the state-of-the-art MEMS piezoelectric energy harvesters which promise a cleaner environment and eliminate the disposal issue of conventional batteries are reviewed.
Abstract: The growing demand of wireless sensor networks has created the necessity of miniature, portable, long lasting and easily recharged sources of power. Traditional, hazardous batteries are rendered unacceptable and the viability of ‘green’ MEMS energy harvesters has become even more dominant. This paper reviews the state-of-the-art MEMS piezoelectric energy harvesters which promise a cleaner environment and eliminate the disposal issue of conventional batteries. Piezoelectric devices are the perfect candidate for implementation in micro generators as they are easily fabricated, are silicon compatible and demonstrate high efficiencies for mechanical to electrical energy conversion. The characteristic equations which govern the conversion of mechanical vibration to electrical power are described in this paper. The typical operating modes for MEMS piezoelectric energy cantilevers which are namely; d31 and d33 are also detailed. Criteria for optimum material suitable for MEMS energy scavengers to produce maximum power output are also outlined. Several MEMS energy harvesters which have been successfully fabricated and tested are also critically reviewed in this paper. Finally a comparison table highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of each work is presented.
24 citations