Study of the configuration of multi-source energy harvesting systems based on piezoelectric nanogenerator as a clean energy harvester

Abstract

This paper presents the connection configuration of a multi-source piezoelectric transducer to extract energy from ambient mechanical forces to power up electronic devices. The configurations are optimized by applying a full-bridge rectifier (FBR) as an interface circuit to complete alternating to direct current (AC-DC) transformation before powering up any electronic devices. The FBR is varied in Silicon (Si-FBR) and Schottky (So-FBR) diodes to compare which one is more efficient. Six pieces of 35 mm piezoelectric transducer, PT, are connected in parallel and series connection then pressed under 20 N periodic force. The study shows that the configuration types of the multi-source PT have different results in harvesting mechanical energy. Experimental results show the maximum power can be harvested from six PTs in series for one and six Si-FBRs are 440 and 500 µW, respectively and for So-FBR obtained 150 and 730 µW. In a parallel configuration, maximum power can be harvested from six PTs for one and six Si-FBRs are 440 and 1050 µW, respectively and for So-FBR obtained 780 and 902 µW.