Design and Modeling of Piezoelectric Energy Harvester Under Variable Pressure in Pipe Flow

This paper presents the design and modeling of a piezoelectric energy harvester based on the deformation of membrane in shape of waved tube. The piezoelectric PVDF layer is covered by an elastomeric layer on both sides. The three bonded layers make together one deformable membrane. The harvester is to be inserted in pipes of water networks, and production of electricity is resulting from pressure fluctuations. The dynamic behavior of water and membrane is investigated through two-degree-of-freedom vibratory model. Time and frequency responses of the membrane are shown in both cases exponential and harmonic excitations. The model is validated by comparison of its results to those issued from 3D finite elements simulations. The generated energy is resulting from the bending and stretching of the membrane under variable pressure. Its expression integrates all model parameters. The developed model is able to predict the value of produced electrical energy, and the designed harvester is useful to power electronic devices.