Acoustic Energy Harvesting Using Piezo-Electric Materials

Abstract

Nowadays, much attention is directed towards raising the efficiency of energy consumption in different life applications. One example of the work done to pursue this goal is Acoustic Energy Harvesting, AEH. This paper provides an overview of Acoustic Energy Harvesting using the technology of Piezo-Electricity as well as the components of an acoustic energy harvester. It also demonstrates work done to study acoustic energy harvesting using a cylindrical Piezo-element made of Penta-Zirconate Titanate, PZT-5A. The work presented here aims at defining the electrical properties of the cylinder by measuring its impedance properties using a Precision Impedance Analyzer. The cylinder was found to have a capacitive effect over the audible frequency range. The obtained impedance values shall help match the impedance of the cylinder, the electric energy source, to the impedance of the load circuit that will make use of the harvested energy.