On structural effects and energy conversion efficiency of power harvesting

Yabin Liao, Henry A. Sodano

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

The concept of power harvesting works towards developing self-powered devices that do not require replaceable power supplies. One important parameter defining the performance of a piezoelectric power harvesting system is the efficiency of the system. However, an accepted definition of the energy harvesting efficiency does not currently exist. This article will develop a new definition for the efficiency of an energy harvesting system which rather than being defined through energy conservation as the ratio of the energy fed into the system to maintain the steady state to the output power, we consider the ratio of the strain energy over each cycle to the power output. This new definition is analogous to the material loss factor. Simulations will be performed to demonstrate the validity of the efficiency and will show that the maximum efficiency occurs at the matched impedance; however, for materials with high electromechanical coupling the maximum power is generated at the near open and closed-circuit resonances with a lower efficiency.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationActive and Passive Smart Structures and Integrated Systems 2009
DOIs
StatePublished - 2009
EventActive and Passive Smart Structures and Integrated Systems 2009 - San Diego, CA, United States
Duration: Mar 9 2009Mar 12 2009

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume7288
ISSN (Print)0277-786X

Other

OtherActive and Passive Smart Structures and Integrated Systems 2009
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Diego, CA
Period3/9/093/12/09

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
  • Condensed Matter Physics
  • Computer Science Applications
  • Applied Mathematics
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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