Piezoelectric energy droplet harvesting and modeling

Abstract

Vibrational harvested energy using piezoelectric cantilevers provides sufficient output for small power applications. This work reports on free falling droplet energy harvesting using piezoelectric cantilevers. The harvester incorporates a bimorph cantilever that composite of two layers of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) materials. During the drop impact a transfer of kinetic energy from the drop to the piezoelectric cantilever occurs in the form of mechanical stress forcing the piezoelectric structure to vibrate. Experimental results show an instantaneous water droplet power of around 2.15 mWcm ³ g ^-1 , i.e. this is 37 times higher than what previously has been reported.