Coupled electro-aeroelastic energy harvester model based on piezoelectric transducers, VIV-galloping interaction and nonlinear switching circuits

Miniaturization, multi-functionality, and low power consumption are key features in the development of electronic devices today. These characteristics open up the possibility for the development of small, self-powered systems. Piezoelectric materials have emerged as a promising solution due to their ability to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy from the surrounding environment, such as wind. In this research work, we investigate an aeroelastic piezoelectric energy harvester based on the interaction between vortex-induced vibrations and galloping. The device, a bimorph cantilevered beam with a square-section bluff body attached to its tip, produces mechanical oscillations that are extracted by various electrical circuits, including a nonlinear switching interface. A numerical model, implemented in a Simulink environment, is developed to solve the coupled electro-aeroelastic problem for each electrical interface. The results are compared to experimental data collected from wind tunnel tests conducted at various wind velocities and load resistances, and a satisfactory correlation is observed. The validated model is finally used to carry out a parametric analysis aimed at optimizing the performance of the harvester in a low wind speed range. This investigation could contribute to a better understanding of an aeroelastic harvesting system and potentially assist in the optimization of design parameters and electrical interfaces for specific applications.