Energy harvesting with a cymbal type piezoelectric transducer from low frequency compression

Abstract

In this paper a piezoelectric energy harvester based on a Cymbal type structure is presented. A piezoelectric disc ∅35 mm was confined between two convex steel discs ∅35 mm acting as a force amplifier delivering stress to the PZT and protecting the harvester. Optimization was performed and generated voltage and power of the harvester were measured as functions of resistive load and applied force. At 1.19 Hz compression frequency with 24.8 N force a Cymbal type harvester with 250 μm thick steel discs delivered an average power of 0.66 mW. Maximum power densities of 1.37 mW/cm 3 and 0.31 mW/cm 3 were measured for the piezo element and the whole component, respectively. The measured power levels reported in this article are able to satisfy the demands of some monitoring electronics or extend the battery life of a portable device.

Electromechanical properties of PZT/P(VDF-TrFE) composite ink printed on a flexible organic substrate

“…They are widely used in actuators, sensors and transducers, from igniters to fine precision print heads, fuel injectors, sonars, energy harvesters and echograms. [11][12][13][14] The main challenge in piezoelectric composite materials is their low electromechanical performance when compared to that of the bulk ceramics or single crystals. However, piezoelectric printable components offer excellent and low cost large area fabrication opportunities, freedom in substrate material selection (including organic materials) and simplified embedding of components.…”

Recent progress on piezoelectric energy harvesting: structures and materials

“…Palosaari et al [27] designed a piezoelectric disk between two convex steel acting as a force amplifier delivering stress to the PZT and protecting the harvester and then embedded it into a shoe for energy harvesting during walking, as shown in Fig. 11.…”

“…Comparing with cantilever structure, cymbal structure shows larger output power (around 100 microwatt), which is suitable to fabricate as bulk-PEH for harvesting the mechanical energy at the high load environment; however, the loss of mechanical input energy and high resonant frequency should be modified. [27]. a structure before assembly b structure after assembly c cross section with dimensions of μm …”

Recent Progress on PZT Based Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting Technologies

“…A piezoelectric disc was confined between two convex steel discs acting as a force amplifier delivering stress to the PZT discs and protecting the harvester. At 1.19 Hz compression frequency with 24.8 N force, a cymbal type harvester generated an average power of 0.66 mW and the maximum power densities of 0.31 mW/cm 3 were observed [38]. Chen et al introduced a piezoelectric energy harvester with a clamped piezoelectric circular diaphragm structure, which is a common structure for pressure sensors.…”