Parameter effects on performance of piezoelectric wind energy harvesters based on the interaction between vortex-induced vibration and galloping

Abstract

Our previous research experimentally validated that the interaction between vortex-induced vibration and galloping is an effective method for enhancing the performance of piezoelectric wind energy harvesters under low wind speed conditions. We proposed a distributed-parameter electromechanical coupling model as well. This study aims to investigate the effects of various parameters and optimize the performance of VIV-galloping interactive piezoelectric wind energy harvesters. Initially, we assessed the applicability of the model under different circuit and aerodynamic force conditions and discussed boundary and convergence conditions by replicating previous results. Further, simulations were performed to analyze the effects of the structural parameters of the bluff body and piezoelectric beam. The width or depth of the bluff body significantly influenced the low critical wind speed, interactive occurrence, and electrical output. To achieve a balance between material cost and electrical benefit, we recommend positioning the electrode length from the fixed end with a coverage ratio of at least 60%. Additionally, the output power is highly sensitive to the piezoelectric beam length, but reducing it results in a higher natural frequency and critical wind speed. We fabricated and tested four prototypes, which have demonstrated significantly higher power densities compared with previously reported values at the same wind speed.