Comprehensive Numerical Analysis of a Porous Piezoelectric Ceramic for Axial Load Energy Harvesting

Abstract

In this paper, an axial-type piezoelectric energy generator with various porosities of piezoelectric ceramics is designed and analysed. A 3D finite element model is developed by using ANSYS software. The porosity of piezoelectric ceramic is varied from 0 to 80% through thickness or along the length of the duralumin beam. The axial type energy harvester consists of bimorph (d31) and cylinder (d33) piezoelectric patches with base excitation. The effects of various porosities, proof mass locations, and different applied acceleration are used to determine the output voltage and power generation. The maximum output voltage and power are obtained equal to 2.25 V and 5.1 µW, respectively.

Keywords

• piezoelectric material
• porous piezoelectric
• energy harvesting