Piezoelectric energy harvesters have been utilized extensively in recent decade because of its convenience in application comparing with other electricity transduction mechanisms. This kind of generators can be implemented to support low voltage wireless sensors, such as Wifi routers and Bluetooth, for instantaneous data response and cloud technologies which can save time and lessen maintenance workloads. This study is to incorporate the wind energy into the piezoelectric energy harvester (PEH) and investigate the effect of aerodynamic modification on PEH design and cross-wind excitation mechanisms. With minimal shape modification of the bluff body, the harvesting range can be extended comparing with narrow resonance range in vortex-induced-vibration (VIV), and the cut-in wind...[ Read more ]

Piezoelectric energy harvesters have been utilized extensively in recent decade because of its convenience in application comparing with other electricity transduction mechanisms. This kind of generators can be implemented to support low voltage wireless sensors, such as Wifi routers and Bluetooth, for instantaneous data response and cloud technologies which can save time and lessen maintenance workloads. This study is to incorporate the wind energy into the piezoelectric energy harvester (PEH) and investigate the effect of aerodynamic modification on PEH design and cross-wind excitation mechanisms. With minimal shape modification of the bluff body, the harvesting range can be extended comparing with narrow resonance range in vortex-induced-vibration (VIV), and the cut-in wind speed can be reduced (e.g. 2 m/s or below). The harvester was optimized according to sensitivity analysis and parametric study for further life cycle analysis and carbon footprint assessment. The energy harvester can operate effectually, particularly in low wind speed (smaller than 4 m/s), which creates profit as well as decreasing carbon dioxide emission. Nevertheless, more efforts have to be put for better performance in power harvesting associated with complicated electronic circuits and suitable designs for diverse kinds of wind circumstances.