Abstract

This study investigates the use of an alternative energy source in the production of electric energy to meet the increasing energy requirements, encourage the use of clean energy, and thus reduce the effects of global warming. The alternative energy source used is a mechanical energy by piezoelectric material, which can convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, that can convert mechanical energy from pressure forces and vibrations during activities such as walking and traveling into electrical energy. Herein, a pilot device is designed, involving the modification of a bicycle into a stationary exercise bike with a piezoelectric generator, to study energy conversion and storage generated from using the bike. Secondly, the piezoelectric energy harvesting system is used on bicycles as a micro-mobility, light electric utility vehicle with smart operation, providing a novel approach to smart city design. The results show that the energy harvested from the piezoelectric devices can be stored in a 3200 mAh, 5 V battery and power sensors on the bicycle. Moreover, 13.6 mW power can be generated at regular cycling speed, outputting 11.5 V and 1.2 mA. Therefore, the piezoelectric energy harvesting system has sufficient potential for application as a renewable energy source that can be used with low power equipment. Document type: Article

Abstract

The study analyzes the dynamic behaviour and vibration attenuation of an Euler Bernoulli beam coupled with a piezoelectric layer. The vibration attenuation is given by the shunt circuit connected to the piezoelectric. This paper shows different shunt circuit impedances and how they affect the system's frequency response (FRF) functions. The spectral element method is used to model the intelligent material under analysis and has its function based on the exact solution of the wave equation, therefore, a single element is necessary to model the structure. The estimated responses for each shunt configuration express a relationship with the passive components used in the respective circuits. In each case, the circuit has a particular effect on FRFs.