Design and Modeling of a PVDF-TrFe Flexible Wind Energy Harvester

TL;DR

This paper designs and models a flexible PVDF-TrFe piezoelectric energy harvester, analyzing its performance under wind-induced vibrations through experiments and finite element simulations, aiming to power autonomous sensors.

Contribution

It introduces a novel flexible wind energy harvester using PVDF-TrFe/PET, combining experimental testing with finite element modeling for comprehensive analysis.

Findings

Maximum voltage of 984 mV under wind conditions

Damping ratio of 0.117 and quality factor of 4.284 for the circular plate

Finite element model accurately predicts stress and modal behavior

Abstract

This study presents the simulation, experimentation, and design considerations of a Poly(vinylidene fluoride co-trifluoroethylene)/ Polyethylene Terephthalate (PVDF-TrFe / PET), laser-cut, flexible piezoelectric energy harvester. It is possible to obtain energy from the environment around autonomous sensor systems, which can then be used to power various equipment. This article investigates the actuation means of ambient vibration, which is a good candidate for using piezoelectric energy harvester (PEH) devices. The output voltage characteristics were analyzed in a wind test apparatus. Finite element modeling (FEM) was done for von Mises stress and modal analysis. Resonance frequency sweeps, quality factors, and damping ratios of the circular plate were given numerically. For a PVDF-TrFe piezoelectric layer thickness of 18 $\mu$m and 1.5 mm radius, a damping ratio of 0.117 and a quality factor of 4.284 was calculated. $V_{max}$ was calculated as 984 mV from the wind setup and compared with the FEM outputs.