Conformable piezoelectric-foil for energy scavenging applications

Abstract

In this paper we present characterization of a soft, flexible and stretchable piezoelectric transducer towards its use as mechanical energy scavenger. In particular here we address the mechanical to electrical conversion process, an intense characterization procedure has been performed in order to evaluate the performance of a conformable piezoelectric foil. The proposed transducer and the measurement method will be presented in the perspective to use the device as power generator or sustainer for wearable devices by using actions such as leg motion, body movements, induced vibrations or external kinetic sources but also as vibration sensor. Theoretical considerations and experimental results of output voltage, power and performance as response of localized kinetic energy are also reported demonstrating the capabilities of the proposed device.