Mathematical and Computer Modeling of Piezoelectric Generator for Energy Harvesting Devices

Abstract

The paper deals with modeling a Piezoelectric Generator (PEG) that includes piezoactive elements, inertial mass, plate and rack. The PEG under consideration can be an element of the energy storage device in the capacity of the source of energy provided from vibrations of elements of structures and machines.The main objective of the paper is to gain the PEG efficiency by finding the optimal geometric parameters for finding the highest output potential.The elastic and piezoceramic media are modeled within the framework of the linear theory of electroelasticity. As a research tool, CAE package ACELAN is used in which three-dimensional and axisymmetric device models are built. The numerical experiments performed a modal and harmonic analysis that enabled us to identify the most effective operating frequencies.

Keywords

• piezoelectricity
• ultrasonic devices
• finite element method