Demonstrating the effects of elastic support on power generation and storage capability of piezoelectric energy harvesting devices

This study represents effects of an elastic support on the power generation and storage capability of piezoelectric energy harvesting devices. The governing equations were derived and solved for a piezoelectric energy harvesting device made of elastic support, multilayer piezoelectric beam, and a proof mass at its free end. Furthermore, a Thevenin model for a rechargeable battery was considered for storage of the produced power of the piezoelectric energy harvesting device. Analyzing the time-domain and frequency-domain responses of the piezoelectric energy harvesting device on an elastic support shows that the elastic deformation of the support significantly reduces the power generation and storage capability of the device. It was also found that the power generation and storage capability of the piezoelectric energy harvesting device can be enhanced by choosing appropriate physical parameters of the piezoelectric beam even if the elastic properties of the support are poor relative to elastic properties of the piezoelectric beam. These results provide an insightful understanding for designing and material selection for the support in order to reach the highest possible power generation and storage capability for piezoelectric energy harvesting devices.