Design and Experimental Study of Shape Memory Alloy and Piezoelectric Composite Power Generation Device

Abstract

In order to solve the problem of ineffective utilization of waste heat generated by energy consumption in industrial production and life, a low-frequency thermal energy conversion type piezoelectric energy trap is proposed, and relevant theoretical analysis and experimental research are conducted. The device utilizes a piezoelectric film (polyvinylidene fluoride) combined with a shape memory alloy and features a simple green structure that can supply energy to microelectronic devices. First, the structural design and working principle of the device are analyzed and the dynamics model is built. Second, COMSOL Multiphysics simulation software (Version 5.6) is used to analyze and calculate the output voltage of shape memory alloy shrinkage, piezoelectric film shape and parameters. Finally, the experimental prototype is machined and fabricated by the fine engraving machine, and the experimental platform is built for relevant performance tests. The experimental results show that when the temperature is 100 °C, the maximum strain of shape memory alloy with 1 mm diameter is 0.148 mm. When the shape of the piezoelectric film is triangular, the length of the bottom edge is equal to the height of the triangle and the thickness ratio is 0.5, the maximum output voltage is 2.12 V. The experimental results verify the feasibility of the designed device and provide new ideas for subsequent research on piezoelectric energy capture.

Study of Self-Excited Thermomechanical Oscillator with Shape Memory Alloys

“…Oscillating systems based on shape memory alloys are widely used in energy harvesting technologies. Several researchers use SMA substrates on which they deposit a piezoelectric layer to generate electricity by vibration [25][26][27][28]. Another interesting application of SMAs in energy harvesting systems is the two-step conversion of heat to mechanical and then mechanical to electrical energy [29][30][31].…”