Computational modeling and theoretical analysis of polyvinylidene fluoride microarrays for hybrid piezo‐pyroelectric energy harvesting

Abstract

Poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) is a promising piezoelectric and pyroelectric material for energy harvesting applications. This paper investigates the electrical outputs of PVDF microarrays using both simulation studies and theoretical calculations. The finite element method in COMSOL Multiphysics® is utilized to model PVDF microarrays and simulate their responses under mechanical loading and temperature changes. Theoretical calculations are also performed to estimate the piezoelectric and pyroelectric voltage outputs using established mathematical formulas. A series of PVDF microarrays are modeled in two dimensions with defined geometry, materials, boundary conditions, and parametric sweeps of wind speed and temperature. The simulation results for electrical outputs show good agreement with the theoretical calculations, demonstrating the validity of both approaches. The maximum voltage outputs are on the order of 10−3 V for the range of wind speeds from 6.5 to 11 m/s and temperatures from 319.3 to 336.3 K. In addition, the mechanical and thermal sensitivities are quantified. This work provides a framework for design and optimization of PVDF‐based energy harvesters. The combined methodology enables characterization of the relationships between operational conditions, PVDF microarray properties, and electrical outputs.