Optimization of a Piezoelectric Wind-Excited Cantilever for Energy Harvesting from Facades

Abstract

The optimization of the performance of a piezoelectric cantilever for energy harvesting from façades is concerned. The harvester is designed to exploit the vortex-induced vibrations due to the fluid-structure interaction between a cylindrical bluff body and the wind flow acting on the façade. An analytical lumped parameter model of the piezo-cantilever equipped with a cylindrical bluff body is provided to estimate the frequency response function between the aerodynamic tip force and the generated open circuit voltage. The analytical frequency response function is validated using experimental tests performed on a prototype of the piezo-cantilever. Finally, the design parameters of the harvester that maximize the generated voltage are determined using an optimization algorithm.

Integration of Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting Systems in Building Envelope for Structural Health Monitoring with Fiber Optic Sensing Technology

“…Consequently, the PE cantilevers are specifically designed to align with the cavity within the façade. The early stage conceptualization is based on the utilization of PE-EHS based on cantilever and vortex-induced vibration [51]. This configuration is founded in the physical field of fluid-structure interaction based on impacting bluff bodies subjected to a continuous flow of fluid; for façade application, the excitation mechanism of the vortex shedding phenomenon is enabled by the wind induced vibration with vortices periodically shredded from the cylindrical bluff body.…”

Structural Health Monitoring for Prefabricated Building Envelope under Stress Tests

“…FBGs-Previous applications demonstrated the effectiveness of these technologies in the building and infrastructure sectors, such as bridges [29][30][31], concrete, wood [32], and steel structures, where strain and temperature have so far been the dominating measurands of interest. Utilizing conventional FBG sensors for SHM in building façades offers significant advantages over electrical strain gauges.…”

“…In line with these research and technological scenarios, the EU-funded InComEss project [27] aims to define a stand-alone solution for SHM using Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting Systems (PE-EHS) for façade monitoring [28], and this paper presents the structural health monitoring sensing solutions within the InComEss architectural system [29]. The architectural design of the InComEss system is geared towards harnessing the potential of Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting Systems (PE-EHS) to supply energy to a fiber optic sensor, MonadGator.…”

Integration of Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting Systems into Building Envelopes for Structural Health Monitoring with Fiber Optic Sensing Technology

“…Consequently, the PE ca designed to align with the cavity within the façade. The early-stage conceptualization is based on the utilizatio cantilever-and vortex-induced vibration [52]. This configura physical field of fluid-structure interaction based on impacting a continuous flow of fluid; for façade application, the excitation shedding phenomenon is enabled by the wind-induced v periodically shredded from the cylindrical bluff body.…”

“…The cantilever, with a len challenging to apply seamlessly into a façade. Consequently, an based on a vertical cantilever ("B1") was devised, featuring an The early-stage conceptualization is based on the utilization of PE-EHSs based on cantilever-and vortex-induced vibration [52]. This configuration is founded in the physical field of fluid-structure interaction based on impacting bluff bodies subjected to a continuous flow of fluid; for façade application, the excitation mechanism of the vortex shedding phenomenon is enabled by the wind-induced vibration with vortices periodically shredded from the cylindrical bluff body.…”