Maximum theoretical power from piezoelectric harvesting

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the maximum theoretical power output from piezoelectric harvesting systems, specifically in applications where the vibration frequency matches the resonance of the piezoelectric device. Participants explore various factors influencing power generation, including frequency, force, and the properties of the piezoelectric materials used.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire about the specific frequency and amplitude of the vibration source to assess power output potential.
  • There are questions regarding the feasibility of generating over 1 watt of energy using piezoelectric devices under given conditions.
  • Participants emphasize the importance of knowing the properties of the piezo sensor to provide accurate answers regarding power output.
  • Some suggest that the method of coupling the piezo to the vibrating object (compression-expansion vs. bending) will affect power generation.
  • There are inquiries about the specific type of piezoelectric material being considered, with mentions of Kynar Piezo Film as a potential option.
  • One participant raises a hypothetical scenario regarding the maximum harvested power from a predefined volume of piezoelectric material.
  • Another participant discusses the need for knowing the output resistance and voltage generated by the piezo sensor at a specific frequency to calculate wattage.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty regarding the maximum power output without specific details about the piezoelectric sensor properties. There is no consensus on the feasibility of achieving 1 watt of energy, as various factors remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of specific sensor properties, which are necessary for accurate calculations. The discussion also highlights dependencies on the method of coupling and the characteristics of the piezoelectric materials used.

juanitopapito
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Hi there...
I have an application where I know the vibration frequency/force/acceleration of the source...

How can I find the maximum theoretical power output (in mw/watts...) of a tuned piezo where its resonance is the same as the source vibration frequency...
 
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juanitopapito said:
Hi there...
I have an application where I know the vibration frequency/force/acceleration of the source...

How can I find the maximum theoretical power output (in mw/watts...) of a tuned piezo where its resonance is the same as the source vibration frequency...
Welcome to the PF.

Just try looking at typical piezo datasheets for parts that fit your application.
 
What are the frequency and amplitude of your application?
 
berkeman said:
What are the frequency and amplitude of your application?

Consistent 200 hz...

Typically 0.1 G acceleration on a 1 kg object (so 20 G on say a 5 gram harvester...)...sometimes it is 1 G on the 1 kg, but rarely..

Is there any way I can get 1 W+ of energy from it using a piezo or other vibration harvester? especially on the low end so it is consistent... Does not have to be a commercially available product, even experimental things that are out there...
 
juanitopapito said:
Is there any way I can get 1 W+ of energy from it using a piezo or other vibration harvester?

again, as Berkeman said, without knowing the properties of the sensor, the answer to that is unknownDave
 
davenn said:
again, as Berkeman said, without knowing the properties of the sensor, the answer to that is unknownDave

what else is necessary?...
 
juanitopapito said:
what else is necessary?...

davenn said:
without knowing the properties of the sensor, the answer to that is unknown

you can't seem to give those, so you question is still unanswerableD
 
juanitopapito said:
what else is necessary?...
How are you going to couple the piezo to the object(s)? Can you get a straight compression-expansion motion on the piezo? Or will it be more of a bending moment?

What piezo do you plan on using? Can you link to the datasheet? Have you looked at Kynar Piezo Film?

http://www.piezotech.fr/fr/2-products-piezoelectric-polymers/news/news-31-p-vdf-trfe-piezoelectric-films.html
 
Last edited by a moderator:
berkeman said:
How are you going to couple the piezo to the object(s)? Can you get a straight compression-expansion motion on the piezo? Or will it be more of a bending moment?

What piezo do you plan on using? Can you link to the datasheet? Have you looked at Kynar Piezo Film?

http://www.piezotech.fr/fr/2-products-piezoelectric-polymers/news/news-31-p-vdf-trfe-piezoelectric-films.html

I'm looking at piezos...I plan to use a cantilever (probably)...

How can I tell how much force it would take on each piezo to generate a watt...and what about the frequency...?
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #11
Suppose you have a predefined volume of piezoelectric (10cm^3). What is the maximum harvested power using piezoelectric?
 
  • #12
Si14 said:
Suppose you have a predefined volume of piezoelectric (10cm^3). What is the maximum harvested power using piezoelectric?
What reading have you done on this so far? What shape would be the best for harvesting, given that volume? :smile:
 
  • #13
juanitopapito said:
I'm looking at piezos...I plan to use a cantilever (probably)...

How can I tell how much force it would take on each piezo to generate a watt...and what about the frequency...?

You need to know the output resistance of the piezo sensor and you also need to know how much voltage it generates at that frequency for a given force input. Here is an example of the chart you need for whichever accelerometer you have:

accelerometer_sensitivity.png


Here is more information on accelerometer selection. http://www.ni.com/white-paper/3807/en/ If your goal is to generate power, I'd pick one that resonates at 200hz or whatever frequency the input from the machine will be.

When you know the voltage output per-G of acceleration at a given frequency, and you also know the output resistance, you can then calculate wattage.

http://www.wikihow.com/Calculate-Wattage
 

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