Analysis and modeling of a piezoelectric energy harvester for powering a wireless sensor

The work presented aims at modeling, designing and implementing an energy harvesting system capable of generating electricity from environmental vibrations. Subject of the analysis is a piezoelectric bimorph; this particular transducer, composed of two layers of piezoceramic material, is clamped in a cantilever configuration and is dynamically bent due to vibrations. The resulting deformation ensures enough current to power the electronic circuit of a wireless sensor. An analytical model is adopted, that describes the dynamics of the mechanical system using an electrical duality. In particular the coupling of the variables is represented by an equivalent transformer. The obtainable voltage and power are investigated, focusing on the influence of the electric load on the performance of the conversion process. In addition, to overcome the limitations related to the analytical study, a finite element model is provided, capable of simulating the behavior of the system more accurately. Finally, both models are validated by means of experimental tests, showing the mutual influence between the mechanical and the electrical domain.