Design and experimental investigation of a positive feedback magnetic-coupled piezoelectric energy harvester

Abstract A positive feedback magnetic-coupled piezoelectric energy harvester (PFM) is proposed to address the limitations of current piezoelectric energy collectors, including restricted acquisition direction, limited acquisition bandwidth, and low energy output. Firstly, the dynamic theoretical model of the energy harvester was established, and the optimization factors were explored, providing a solid theoretical foundation for subsequent research endeavors. The energy capture characteristics of rectangular beam and compound trapezoidal beam were compared through finite element simulation analysis. Subsequently, an experimental platform was constructed and an optimized experimental methodology was devised to analyze the energy capture characteristics and enhance the performance of the energy harvester. The results demonstrate that the positive feedback magnetic-coupled PFM with a trapezoidal beam exhibits superior energy capture efficiency. Furthermore, it is observed that the optimized energy harvester possesses wide frequency coverage, multi-directional capabilities, low-frequency adaptability, and facilitates easy vibration. When the 45 kΩ resistor is connected in series and subjected to a longitudinal external excitation amplitude of 0.5 g, it is capable of generating an average voltage and power output of 4.20 V and 0.39 mW respectively at a vibration frequency of 9 Hz. Similarly, when exposed to a transverse external excitation amplitude of 1 g, it can produce an average voltage output of 6.2 V and power output of 0.85 mW at a vibration frequency of 19 Hz. When the inclination angle of the energy harvester is set to 35 degrees, the maximum voltage output occurs at a frequency of 18 Hz and the Z -axis to X -axis force ratio of the energy harvester is 1.428. These research findings can serve as valuable references for piezoelectric energy harvesting applications in self-powered microelectronic systems.