Synergistic use of smart materials for vibration-based energy harvesting

Vibration-based energy harvesting is an approach where available mechanical vibration energy is converted into electrical energy that can be employed for different purposes. This paper deals with the synergistic use of smart materials for energy harvesting purposes. In essence, piezoelectric and shape memory alloys are combined to build an energy harvesting system. The combined effect of these materials can increase the system performance and reduce some limitations. The possibility to control the mechanical stiffness under vibration by a shape memory alloy (SMA) element can provide the ability to tune resonant frequencies in order to increase the output power. The analysis is developed considering a one-degree of freedom mechanical system where the restitution force is provided by an SMA element. The electro-mechanical coupling is provided by a piezoelectric element. Linear piezoelectric constitutive equation is employed together with the Brinson's model for SMA element. Numerical simulations are carried out showing different responses of the system indicating that the inclusion of the SMA element can be used to extend the operational range of the system.