Flag Fluttering-Triggered Piezoelectric Energy Harvester at Low Wind Speed Conditions

Abstract

Flow-induced vibrations are common occurrences in various fluid-solid interaction systems existing in nature. One way to transform this vibrational mechanical energy into a usable form is through energy harvesters. This study examines the performance of a piezoelectric energy harvester, where mechanical oscillations result from the fluttering flags made of various fabrics. Flags, made of commonly encountered fabrics, are attached to a cantilever beam inside a wind tunnel with a 30 x 30 cm test section, allowing the airflow to be adjusted between 0 and 10 m s-1. The alpaca flag, with dimensions corresponding to an aspect ratio of 2, can produce meaningful electricity even at a wind speed as low as approximate to 3.8 m s-1. As the wind speed increases, the fluttering frequency of this flag configuration becomes 10.9 Hz at a wind speed of 5 m s-1, coinciding with the natural frequency of the first mode shape. In this specific arrangement, the structural deformation of the piezoelectric patch on the beam surface is maximized, allowing the harvester system to produce a root mean square voltage of 5 V with a relatively high maximum power of 98 mu W. Fluttering flags, made of alpaca, satin and viscose fabrics, induce vibrations in a piezoelectric energy harvester. This configuration operates efficiently at low wind speeds, yielding a maximum output power of 98 mu W. The flags display a stable fluttering frequency of 10.9 Hz at a wind speed of 5 m s-1.image