Modelling and optimisation of a bimorph piezoelectric cantilever beam in an energy harvesting application

Thein, Chung Ket; Ooi, Beng Lee; Liu, Jing Sheng; Gilbert, James M.

Abstract

Piezoelectric materials are excellent transducers in converting vibrational energy into electrical energy, and vibration-based piezoelectric generators are seen as an enabling technology for wireless sensor networks, especially in selfpowered devices. This paper proposes an alternative method for predicting the power output of a bimorph cantilever beam using a finite element method for both static and dynamic frequency analyses. Experiments are performed to validate the model and the simulation results. In addition, a novel approach is presented for optimising the structure of the bimorph cantilever beam, by which the power output is maximised and the structural volume is minimised simultaneously. Finally, the results of the optimised design are presented and compared with other designs.

Citation

Thein, C. K., Ooi, B. L., Liu, J. S., & Gilbert, J. M. (2016). Modelling and optimisation of a bimorph piezoelectric cantilever beam in an energy harvesting application. Journal of Engineering Science and Technology, 11(2), 212-227

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Feb 3, 2015
• Publication Date: 2016-02
• Deposit Date: May 26, 2015
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 29, 2016
• Journal: Journal of Engineering Science and Technology
• Print ISSN: 1823-4690
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 11
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 212-227
• Keywords: Piezoelectric; Multi-disciplinary optimisation; Shape optimisation; Energy harvesting; Bimorph cantilever beam
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/374237
• Publisher URL: http://jestec.taylors.edu.my/Vol%2011%20issue%202%20February%202016/Volume%20(11)%20Issue%20(2)%20212-%20227.pdf
• Additional Information: Copy of article first published in: Journal of engineering science & technology , 2016, v.11, issue 2