Modelling of a piezoelectric generator in a non linear systems

• Grant number: 14/09703-7
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): August 01, 2014
• Effective date (End): July 31, 2015
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Mechanical Engineering - Mechanics of Solids
• Principal Investigator: Vicente Lopes Junior
• Grantee: Renan Sanches Geronel
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Engenharia (FEIS). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Ilha Solteira. Ilha Solteira , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The need for a demanding supply of energy has led to the research of new alternative sources. Electrical energy can be extracted from solar, thermal, wind, mechanical energy among others. The main advantage of this form of energy production is the use of natural sources, and to make a precise replacement of batteries and cells. Currently a combination of kinds of energy is seen, such as the use of the piezoelectric effect in conjunction with magnetic, wind power, solar, among others. This combination ensures systems with greater efficiency.Piezoelectric is a type of electric energy produced from mechanical pressure. It is known that by the pressure applied on an object, a negative charge is produced on the expansion side and a positive charge is created on the compression side (charge separation). When the pressure is undone electric current flows through the material, which energy can be accumulated. It is known that the environment has variable frequency and making an adaptation difficult for the system. Hence, the use of non-linear system can increase the efficiency of the harvester.Usually the designs of energy production with piezoelectric materials, piezoelectric ceramics are used coupled to a base structure. In this paper, the goal is to take advantage of the properties of nonlinear systems to increase power generation through systems called bi-or multi - stable. This type of system will be evaluated through its basic settings. A beam with a piezoelectric in its fixed end will be used; and the addition of two magnets, one on the free end of the beam and another aligned to the first, but on a fixed structure independent of the beam. The results for the linear and nonlinear structures will be evaluated experimentally.