Modeling and Simulation of a Piezoelectric Micro-Power Generator (original) (raw)

Piezoelectric Micro-Power Generators (PMPGs) convert the deformations produced by kinetic energy harvested from mechanical vibrations to an electrical charge via the direct piezoelectric effect. The current surge in micro-scale and lowpower devices allows PMPGs to provide a convenient alternative power source to traditional sources in various applications. In this work we compare the PMPG modeling and simulation results obtained using four different approaches; (i) COMSOL Multiphysics 3.5a, (ii) Coventor, (iii) ANSYS and (iv) Lumped element analysis. Firstly, static deflection of the mass and the maximum stress in the support beams are obtained as functions of the voltage. Then, the eigenvalue problem of the MPG is solved to obtain the lowest four natural frequencies and mode shapes of the MPG. Finally the transient response of the PMPG is determined along with its power generation capacity. It is found that the four approaches closely agree with each other. The simulations provide the basis for optimal design and fabrication of the PMPG.