A novel horizontal self-tuning piezoelectric energy harvester based on a beam-slider system

Abstract With the rapid development of piezoelectric energy harvesting technologies, this approach is emerging as a promising power source for smart sensors. Despite this progress, a significant challenge remains in achieving a wider bandwidth while increasing the output power. In response to this challenge, this paper introduces a horizontal self-tuning beam-slider piezoelectric energy harvester (STBS-PEH). This innovative harvester employs a unilateral beam-slider mechanism to enable self-tuning of the energy harvesting by adjusting its resonant frequency to match the external excitation frequency. The electromechanical coupled dynamic model of this harvester has been established. Comprehensive simulations and experimental analysis have been conducted to demonstrate the wide bandwidth and high output power characteristics of the proposed harvester. Notably, the simulation results exhibit strong agreement with the experimental findings. The resonance response bandwidth of the STBS-PEH is particularly noteworthy, which is twice that of a conventional cantilever beam piezoelectric energy harvester. The root mean square (RMS) voltage and output power of the developed STBS-PEH can reach 23.54 V and 194.61 µW, respectively, at a frequency of 21 Hz, with an excitation amplitude of 0.5 g. These results demonstrate that the STBS-PEH is capable of powering low-power electronic devices in a broadband vibrational environment.