Synthesis of Defect-Free Peaucellier Mechanism and Potential Implications for Energy Harvesting

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ali Almandeel ◽  
Abdulaziz Aladwani ◽  
Hessein Ali
Keyword(s):  
Electrical Power ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Electrical Energy ◽  
Absolute Error ◽  
Base Excitation ◽  
Practical Applications ◽  
Harmonic Motion ◽  
Energy Harvesters ◽  
Piezoelectric Energy ◽  
Design Variables

Abstract Cantilevered beams with piezoceramic layers are typically used to generate electrical energy; hence, a base excitation on a harvester is required. This work investigates the use of a link-type mechanism called the Peaucellier mechanism to actuate piezoelectric energy harvesters. The Peaucellier mechanism is known to trace an exact straight line, providing harmonic motion, which is exploited here for exciting a bimorph piezoelectric cantilever beam. To generate the required base excitation, a function generation synthesis methodology for designing a defect-free Peaucellier mechanism driven by a dyad (PMD) is proposed, in addition to an example being provided to confirm the efficacy of the method. The harmonic motion involves two design variables (frequency and amplitude) which are key parameters and can be tuned to generate the required electrical power. It was determined that PMD could excite the energy harvester, generating an electrical power of approximately 4.52 μ W at low frequency. The synthesis generated a mean absolute error of 0.061 m/s2 confirming an excellent match between the points of the input-output and desired acceleration. The results confirm that the Peaucellier mechanism is suitable for the actuation of energy harvesters where parasitic power harvesting is required in different practical applications, including robotics and stationary machines.

Theoretical and Experimental Analysis of Frequency Up-Conversion Energy Harvesters Under Human-Generated Vibrations

2014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raul B. Olympio ◽  
John Donahue ◽  
Adam M. Wickenheiser
Keyword(s):  
Power Output ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Wide Band ◽  
Electrical Energy ◽  
Human Motion ◽  
Maximum Efficiency ◽  
Vibration Source ◽  
Energy Harvesters ◽  
Piezoelectric Energy ◽  
Exciting Frequency

Piezoelectric energy harvesters are devices capable of converting the kinetic energy present in vibration-based motion into electrical energy using piezoelectric transducers. This kind of device has its maximum efficiency when the exciting frequency matches its natural frequency. In the past years, some authors have explored the use of human motion as a vibration source, and harvesting energy in this situation is not trivial because the low-frequency characteristics of the motion are not compatible with small, light-weight transducers, which have relatively high natural frequencies. To overcome this problem, a method known as frequency up-conversion is used; it consists of a nonlinear vibration-based, magnetically excited harvester that exhibits frequency-independent performance, allowing the device to be efficient in a wide band of frequencies. In this work, the power output of a piezoelectric energy harvesting with frequency up-conversion submitted to walking and running vibrations is analyzed. Data are collected using an accelerometer located on the front pocket of each subject and then used in simulations. The model used consists of a cantilever beam with a permanent magnetic tip at the free end; this tip interacts with a magnetized structure that adds a nonlinear interaction to the model. A pure resistance matching the device’s impedance at its fundamental frequency is used to account for the output power. To verify the advantages of using the frequency up-conversion method for vibration-based energy harvesters regarding the power output and frequency band, a comparison with the linear cantilever model is analyzed. Also, in order to confirm the simulation results, a prototype of the device is built and submitted to vibration tests using a horizontally oriented motor-driven cart that recreates the motions recorded by the accelerometer; it is tested with and without the magnetic force in order to experimentally determine the nonlinearity’s effects on the power harvesting performance.

An Experimental Study of Low-Frequency Vibration-Based Electromagnetic Energy Harvesters Used while Walking

2014 ◽  
Vol 918 ◽  
pp. 106-114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Min Chie Chiu ◽  
Ying Chun Chang ◽  
Long Jyi Yeh ◽  
Chiu Hung Chung ◽  
Chen Hsin Chu
Keyword(s):  
Kinetic Energy ◽  
Energy Harvester ◽  
Electrical Power ◽  
Research Work ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Electrical Energy ◽  
Electromagnetic Energy ◽  
Electromagnetic System ◽  
Energy Harvesters ◽  
Low Frequency Vibration

The goal of this paper is to develop and experimentally test portable vibration-based electromagnetic energy harvesters which are fit for extracting low frequency kinetic energy. Based on a previous study on fixed vibration-based electromagnetic energy harvesters, three kinds of portable energy harvesters (prototype I, prototype II, and prototype III) are developed and tested. To obtain the related parameters of the energy harvesters, an experimental platform used to measure the vibrational systems electrical power at the resonant frequency and other fixed frequencies is also established. Based on the research work of vibration theory, a low frequency vibration-arm mechanism (prototype III) which is easily in resonance with a walking tempo is developed. Here, a strong magnet fixed to one side of the vibration-arm along with a set of wires placed along the vibrating path will generate electricity. The circular device has a radius of 180 mm, a width of 50 mm, and weighs 200 grams. Because of its light mass, it is easy to carry and put into a backpack. Experimental results reveal that the energy harvester (prototype III) can easily transform kinetic energy into electrical power via the vibration-based electromagnetic system when walking at a normal speed. Consequently, electrical energy reaching 0.25 W is generated from the energy harvester (prototype III) by extracting kinetic energy produced by walking.

Energy harvesting from quasi-static deformations via bilaterally constrained strips

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (18) ◽  
pp. 3572-3581
Author(s):  
Suihan Liu ◽  
Ali Imani Azad ◽  
Rigoberto Burgueño
Keyword(s):  
Energy Harvesting ◽  
Low Power ◽  
Mechanical Energy ◽  
Electrical Power ◽  
Energy Resource ◽  
Electrical Energy ◽  
Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting ◽  
Power Budget ◽  
Piezoelectric Energy ◽  
Static Conditions

Piezoelectric energy harvesting from ambient vibrations is well studied, but harvesting from quasi-static responses is not yet fully explored. The lack of attention is because quasi-static actions are much slower than the resonance frequency of piezoelectric oscillators to achieve optimal outputs; however, they can be a common mechanical energy resource: from large civil structure deformations to biomechanical motions. The recent advances in bio-micro-electro-mechanical systems and wireless sensor technologies are motivating the study of piezoelectric energy harvesting from quasi-static conditions for low-power budget devices. This article presents a new approach of using quasi-static deformations to generate electrical power through an axially compressed bilaterally constrained strip with an attached piezoelectric layer. A theoretical model was developed to predict the strain distribution of the strip’s buckled configuration for calculating the electrical energy generation. Results from an experimental investigation and finite element simulations are in good agreement with the theoretical study. Test results from a prototyped device showed that a peak output power of 1.33 μW/cm2 was generated, which can adequately provide power supply for low-power budget devices. And a parametric study was also conducted to provide design guidance on selecting the dimensions of a device based on the external embedding structure.

Experimental Study of a Self-Excited Piezoelectric Energy Harvester

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hu¨seyin Dog˘us¸ Akaydın ◽  
Niell Elvin ◽  
Yiannis Andreopoulos
Keyword(s):  
Electrical Power ◽  
Natural Mode ◽  
Structural Vibrations ◽  
Energy Harvesters ◽  
Flow Energy ◽  
Piezoelectric Energy ◽  
Voltage Output ◽  
Aerodynamic Properties ◽  
Piezoelectric Cantilever ◽  
Measured Strain

In the present experimental work, we explore the possibility of using piezoelectric based fluid flow energy harvesters. These harvesters are self-excited and self-sustained in the sense that they can be used in steady uniform flows. The configuration consists of a piezoelectric cantilever beam with a cylindrical tip body which promotes sustainable, aero-elastic structural vibrations induced by vortex shedding and galloping. The structural and aerodynamic properties of the harvester alter the vibration amplitude and frequency of the piezoelectric beam and thus its electrical output. This paper presents results of energy-harvesting tests with one configuration of such a self-excited piezoelectric harvester using a PZT bimorph. In addition to the electrical voltage output, the strain on the surface of beam close to its clamped tip was also measured The measured strain and voltage output were perfectly correlated in the frequency range containing the first natural mode of vibration of the system. It was observed that about 0.24 mW of electrical power can be attained with this harvester in a uniform flow of 28 m/s.

Fundamental Study on Friction-Driven Gyroscopic Power Generator Works Under Arbitrary Vibration

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aya Watanabe ◽  
Ryousuke Yuyama ◽  
Hiroshi Hosaka ◽  
Akira Yamashita
Keyword(s):  
Power Generation ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Electrical Power ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Inertial Force ◽  
Fundamental Study ◽  
Power Generator ◽  
Energy Harvesters ◽  
Low Frequency Vibration ◽  
Circular Track

Abstract This paper describes a friction-driven gyro generator that works under arbitrary vibrations and generates more than 1 W of power. Vibrational generators are energy harvesters that convert environmental vibrations into electrical power via the inertial force of pendulums. In conventional generators that use simple vibration, the power is less than 10 mW for a wearable size because vibrations in the natural environment are as low as 1 Hz. Gyroscopic generators increase the inertial force by rotating a pendulum at high speed and creating a gyro effect. In this generator, a palm-size product that generates 0.1 W and weighs 280 g has already been commercialized, but this device operates only under a particular vibration that synchronizes rotor precession and stalls under random vibration. To solve this problem, in this research, two gimbals and a precession spring are introduced to support the rotor. We developed a prototype generator with straight tracks measuring 16 cm × 11 cm × 12 cm with a mass of 980 g. Under a vibration of 4 Hz and ±20 degrees, power generation of 1.6 W was confirmed. Next, a prototype circular track was made. Power generation of 0.2 W with a vibration of 1 Hz and ±90 degrees was confirmed. Finally, a simple formula to estimate the upper limit of the generation power is derived. It is suggested that the circular-type generator is suitable for low-frequency vibration and can generate twice the power of a straight-type generator.

Heartbeat Energy Harvesting Using the Fan-Folded Piezoelectric Beam Geometry

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. H. Ansari ◽  
M. Amin Karami
Keyword(s):  
Natural Frequency ◽  
Energy Harvester ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Mode Shapes ◽  
Vibration Energy ◽  
Vibration Energy Harvester ◽  
Mechanical Coupling ◽  
Energy Harvesters ◽  
Piezoelectric Energy ◽  
Piezoelectric Beam

A three dimensional piezoelectric vibration energy harvester is designed to generate electricity from heartbeat vibrations. The device consists of several bimorph piezoelectric beams stacked on top of each other. These horizontal bimorph beams are connected to each other by rigid vertical beams making a fan-folded geometry. One end of the design is clamped and the other end is free. One major problem in micro-scale piezoelectric energy harvesters is their high natural frequency. The same challenge is faced in development of a compact vibration energy harvester for the low frequency heartbeat vibrations. One way to decrease the natural frequency is to increase the length of the bimorph beam. This approach is not usually practical due to size limitations. By utilizing the fan-folded geometry, the natural frequency is decreased while the size constraints are observed. The required size limit of the energy harvester is 1 cm by 1 cm by 1 cm. In this paper, the natural frequencies and mode shapes of fan-folded energy harvesters are analytically derived. The electro-mechanical coupling has been included in the model for the piezoelectric beam. The design criteria for the device are discussed.

A Novel Multi-Directional Nonlinear Piezoelectric Energy Harvester Coupled With Nonlinear Conditioning Circuits

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zhengbao Yang ◽  
Jean Zu
Keyword(s):  
Energy Harvester ◽  
Piezoelectric Materials ◽  
Electrical Energy ◽  
Elastic Rods ◽  
Energy Harvesters ◽  
Piezoelectric Energy ◽  
High Power Output ◽  
Transduction Mechanisms ◽  
Self Powered ◽  
Aluminum Plates

Energy harvesting from vibrations has become, in recent years, a recurring target of a quantity of research to achieve self-powered operation of low-power electronic devices. However, most of energy harvesters developed to date, regardless of different transduction mechanisms and various structures, are designed to capture vibration energy from single predetermined direction. To overcome the problem of the unidirectional sensitivity, we proposed a novel multi-directional nonlinear energy harvester using piezoelectric materials. The harvester consists of a flexural center (one PZT plate sandwiched by two bow-shaped aluminum plates) and a pair of elastic rods. Base vibration is amplified and transferred to the flexural center by the elastic rods and then converted to electrical energy via the piezoelectric effect. A prototype was fabricated and experimentally compared with traditional cantilevered piezoelectric energy harvester. Following that, a nonlinear conditioning circuit (self-powered SSHI) was analyzed and adopted to improve the performance. Experimental results shows that the proposed energy harvester has the capability of generating power constantly when the excitation direction is changed in 360. It also exhibits a wide frequency bandwidth and a high power output which is further improved by the nonlinear circuit.

scholarly journals Experimental Study and Parameter Optimization of a Magnetic Coupled Piezoelectric Energy Harvester

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (12) ◽  
pp. 2609 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaobo Rui ◽  
Yibo Li ◽  
Yue Liu ◽  
Xiaolei Zheng ◽  
Zhoumo Zeng
Keyword(s):  
Flux Density ◽  
Parameter Optimization ◽  
Energy Harvester ◽  
Fiber Composite ◽  
Electrical Power ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Harmonic Excitation ◽  
Lumped Parameter Model ◽  
Peak Output Power ◽  
Piezoelectric Energy

Piezoelectric energy harvesting is a promising way to develop self-sufficient systems. Structural design and parameter optimization are key issues to improve the performance in applications. This paper presents a magnetic coupled piezoelectric energy harvester to increase the output and bandwidth. A lumped parameter model considering the static position is established and various modes are simulated. This paper focuses on the “Low frequency repulsion mode”, which is more practical. The experiment platform is built with the Macro Fiber Composite (MFC) material, and the results are consistent with the analytical simulation. The optimization process of some key parameters, such as magnets spacing and flux density, is carried out. The results show that there is a corresponding optimal spacing for each flux density, which is positive correlated. With the optimized parameter design, the system achieves peak electrical power of 3.28 mW under the harmonic excitation of 4 m/s2. Compared with the conventional single cantilever harvester, the operated bandwidth is increased by 66.7% and the peak output power is increased by 35.0% in experiment.

Optimizing the Electrical Power in an Energy Harvesting System

2015 ◽  
Vol 25 (12) ◽  
pp. 1550171 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mattia Coccolo ◽  
Grzegorz Litak ◽  
Jesús M. Seoane ◽  
Miguel A. F. Sanjuán
Keyword(s):  
Energy Harvesting ◽  
Kinetic Energy ◽  
High Frequency ◽  
Energy Harvester ◽  
Electrical Power ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Electrical Energy ◽  
Resonance Phenomenon ◽  
Vibrational Resonance ◽  
Energy Harvesting System

In this paper, we study the vibrational resonance (VR) phenomenon as a useful mechanism for energy harvesting purposes. A system, driven by a low frequency and a high frequency forcing, can give birth to the vibrational resonance phenomenon, when the two forcing amplitudes resonate and a maximum in amplitude is reached. We apply this idea to a bistable oscillator that can convert environmental kinetic energy into electrical energy, that is, an energy harvester. Normally, the VR phenomenon is studied in terms of the forcing amplitudes or of the frequencies, that are not always easy to adjust and change. Here, we study the VR generated by tuning another parameter that is possible to manipulate when the forcing values depend on the environmental conditions. We have investigated the dependence of the maximum response due to the VR for small and large variations in the forcing amplitudes and frequencies. Besides, we have plotted color coded figures in the space of the two forcing amplitudes, in which it is possible to appreciate different patterns in the electrical power generated by the system. These patterns provide useful information on the forcing amplitudes in order to produce the optimal electrical power.

Efficient Energy Harvesting Using Piezoelectric Compliant Mechanisms: Theory and Experiment

2016 ◽  
Vol 138 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiaokun Ma ◽  
Andrew Wilson ◽  
Christopher D. Rahn ◽  
Susan Trolier-McKinstry
Keyword(s):  
Compliant Mechanisms ◽  
Compliant Mechanism ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Human Movement ◽  
Energy Harvesters ◽  
Piezoelectric Energy ◽  
Rigid Frame ◽  
High Power Output ◽  
Piezoelectric Unimorph ◽  
Low Amplitude

Piezoelectric energy harvesters typically perform poorly in the low frequency, low amplitude, and intermittent excitation environment of human movement. In this paper, a piezoelectric compliant mechanism (PCM) energy harvester is designed that consists of a polyvinylidene diflouoride (PVDF) unimorph clamped at the base and attached to a compliant mechanism at the tip. The compliant mechanism has two flexures that amplify the tip displacement to produce large motion of a proof mass and a low frequency first mode with an efficient (nearly quadratic) shape. The compliant mechanism is fabricated as a separate, relatively rigid frame with flexure hinges, simplifying the fabrication process, and surrounding and protecting the piezoelectric unimorph. The bridge structure of the PCM also self-limits the response to large amplitude impacts, improving the device robustness. Experiments show that the compliant hinge stiffness can be carefully tuned to approach the theoretical high power output and mode shape efficiency.

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