Non Traditional Proof Mass Arrangement in Cantilever based Piezoelectric Energy Harvester

Abstract

Piezoelectric Energy harvester provides an alternate source of energy to feed ultra-low power electronic devices as well as WSNs. This paper demonstrates a new idea of covering free end of unimorph PZT-5H cantilever structure with Tungsten proof mass to get higher power with minimum active area. The simulation results an electrical output power and mechanical to electrical conversion efficiency of the piezoelectric generator. The proof mass is arranged in all four sides of the free end of cantilever, resulting in 0.32 V of electric potential at 280 Hz of frequency for input acceleration of 1.0 g. Based on the results obtained, the reported structure harvests $1\,\mu \mathrm {W}$ of power with $5\,\mathrm {M}\Omega $ of resistive load and constitute very less active area of $\approx 0.085(mm)^{2}$.