Energy Harvesting by V-Shape Bluff Bodies with Various Apical Angles Attached to a Revolute Joint

Abstract

This study parametrically investigates the efficiency of an integrated energy harvesting system that consists of a piezoelectric patch attached to a cantilever beam and V-shape bluff bodies with various apical angles. V-shape bluff bodies are connected to a cantilever beam with a revolute joint that represents a two degrees-of-freedom configuration. The mechanical energy of the galloping and fluttering motions, resulting from the vortex shedding that appears downstream of the bluff bodies, is converted into electricity by means of a piezoelectric patch. The apical angle of the V-shape geometries, that varies between 0 & DEG; and 180 & DEG;, is the main parameter where the generated voltages and the related power curves are the major results for the evaluation of the efficiency of this harvesting system. Based on the experimental examinations, the maximum output power of 0.295 mW is produced at a wind speed of 10 m s(-1) for the apical angle of 180 & DEG; and the electrical resistance of 230 k & omega;. Moreover, the proposed energy harvester system can still produce usable output power for the apical angles ranges from 0 & DEG; to 20 & DEG; and from 170 & DEG; to 180 & DEG;.