Comprehensive Development of a Jig for Wind-Powered Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting Systems

Abstract

Piezoelectric energy harvesters using wind-induced vibrations are efficient at generating micro-energy. This research focused on designing and developing a small jig harvester utilizing a 100-degree bluff body attached to an aluminium substrate to identify an optimal combination for low wind speed conditions. The small-scale piezoelectric wind energy harvester (SSPWEH) was designed using 3D CAD software. The prototype was then fabricated using three different methods: 3D printing, manual fabrication, and modification of existing products. Finally, the prototype underwent rigorous testing in wind tunnels to precisely measure its power generation efficacy using an oscilloscope. The test results showed that the efficiency of the piezoelectric patch in generating voltage and current is directly influenced by the configuration of the cantilever beam using a copper plate. Specifically, a longer copper plate results in increased vibration amplitude, leading to better efficiency of the piezoelectric patch in producing electricity, even under low wind speed conditions.