Parallel operation of the piezoelectric energy harvest using the taguchi method

Abstract

This chapter investigates a technique for a piezoelectric generator system using the synchronized switch harvesting on inductor (SSHI) electronic interface. Piezoelectric materials can convert mechanical energy into electrical energy through direct piezoelectric effect. In order to increase the current capability of the power source, several piezoelectric generators are placed in parallel. However, the electricity generated by piezoelectric generator reduces when the piezoelectric materials are parallel connected. To raise the output power density of piezoelectric generator system, a SSHI is used in parallel with the harvesting structure. Two electronic interface structures, the bridge rectifier and the SSHI, are used to harvest the energy from the piezoelectric generator. The structure of the SSHI is better than that of the bridge rectifier. The Taguchi parameter design for the SSHI structure is utilized to harvest energy of piezoelectric generator system, and the results of measurement verify the feasibility of this structure in the experiment. © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media New York.