Piezoelectric Windmill: A novel solution to remote sensing

Abstract

This study demonstrates a technology, "Piezoelectric Windmill", for generating the electrical power from wind energy. The electric power-generation from wind energy is based on piezoelectric effect and utilizes the bimorph actuators. Piezoelectric Windmill consists of piezoelectric actuators arranged along the circumference of the mill in the cantilever form. Using the camshaft gear mechanism an oscillating torque is generated through the flowing wind and applied on the actuators. A working prototype was fabricated utilizing 12 bimorphs (60 × 20 × 0.5 mm3) having a preload of 23.5 gm. Under a nominal torque level corresponding to normal wind flow and oscillating frequency of 6 Hz, a power of 10.2 mW was successfully measured across a load of 4.6 kΩ after rectification. Combined with the wireless transmission, this technology provides a practical solution to the remote powering of sensors and communication devices. © 2005 The Japan Society of Applied Physics.