Nonlinear optimization of acoustic energy harvesting using piezoelectric devices.
In the first part of the paper, a single degree-of-freedom model of a vibrating membrane with piezoelectric inserts is introduced and is initially applied to the case when a plane wave is incident with frequency close to one of the resonance frequencies. The model is a prototype of a device which converts ambient acoustical energy to electrical energy with the use of piezoelectric devices. The paper then proposes an enhancement of the energy harvesting process using a nonlinear processing of the output voltage of piezoelectric actuators, and suggests that this improves the energy conversion and reduces the sensitivity to frequency drifts. A theoretical discussion is given for the electrical power that can be expected making use of various models. This and supporting experimental results suggest that a nonlinear optimization approach allows a gain of up to 10 in harvested energy and a doubling of the bandwidth. A model is introduced in the latter part of the paper for predicting the behavior of the energy-harvesting device with changes in acoustic frequency, this model taking into account the damping effect and the frequency changes introduced by the nonlinear processes in the device.
INSA-Lyon, Université de Lyon, LGEF EA 682, F-69621 Villeurbanne, France. mickael.lallart@insa-lyon.fr
Mickaeël
M
Lallart
Daniel
D
Guyomar
Claude
C
Richard
Lionel
L
Petit
D000162:Acoustics / Q000295:instrumentation*; D001674:Bioelectric Energy Sources; D015374:Biosensing Techniques / Q000379:methods; D004553:Electric Conductivity; D004582:Electronics, Medical / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D005057:Eukaryotic Cells / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D059015:Wireless Technology / Q000295:instrumentation*