Title Investigation and development of energy harvesting devices for supplying low power sensors /
Translation of Title Energijos kaupimo įtaisų, skirtų mažos galios jutiklių maitinimui sukūrimas ir tyrimas.
Authors Ravikumar, Chandana
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Pages 67
Keywords [eng] multilayer piezoelectric vibration energy harvester ; PVDF ; optimization proofmass gap ; rayleigh damping ; temperature dependence
Abstract [eng] Wireless sensor networks conventionally depend on rechargeable batteries for power supply where energy is always brought to the device externally causing high maintenance efforts. There is a need for shift in paradigm. Powering devices need to be done differently by using energy that is already available in the device location, consequently enter the domain of energy harvesting systems. This thesis proposes an alternative solution to supply an entire system by converting ambient vibrations into electricity using piezoelectric effect. The motive is to present the findings that have led to the fabrication and development of multilayer PVDF energy harvester having power density of 20.23( mW)⁄(cm^3 )/g, generating at least 14 V_RMS voltage and 435 μW power for optimal load impedance of 460kΩ being subjected to an acceleration of 0.4g. The study explores parameters including gap and proof mass, that can affect the damping of cantilever to optimize the design of energy harvester. A finite analysis is conducted using Rayleigh damping coefficients in COMSOL Multiphysics software. Outcome of modelling and testing has resulted in the best possible optimization for the energy harvester. Relationship between actuator input and output parameters is established. Temperature dependence of energy harvester on load rms voltage, resonance frequency, internal resistance and actuator acceleration is analyzed. Comparing with the smallest gap and proof mass, simple engineering approach for the optimization of PVEH has resulted in increasing the output up to 5 times.
Dissertation Institution Kauno technologijos universitetas.
Type Master thesis
Language English
Publication date 2020