Behavior of energy harvesting from vibrations using simply supported beam piezoelectric transducers: A theoretical and experimental study

Abstract

This paper explores the application of simply supported beam (SSB) piezoelectric transducer for capturing mechanical energy from road vibrations and converting it into electrical energy. A theoretical model incorporating loss impedance and material damping is established to predict the transducer’s piezoelectric performance, with its accuracy subsequently verified through test results. The research examines the relationship between output performance and various influencing factors, including piezoelectric material characteristics, load amplitude, frequency, and the number of transducers. The findings indicate that the SSB piezoelectric strain constant only affects the open-circuit voltage without influencing the piezoelectric impedance. Increasing damping and elasticity reduce the conversion efficiency of SSB transducer, whereas output power exhibits a positive correlation with both load amplitude and frequency. The number of transducers in parallel connection plays a crucial role in piezoelectric performance. An optimal SSB transducer configuration is suggested considering variations in load magnitude and frequency. These findings provide valuable insights for the design and optimization of piezoelectric energy harvesters in road vibration applications.