Abstract
This study presents a novel piezoelectric beam structure for acoustic
energy harvesting. The beams have been designed to maximize output
energy in areas where the noise level is loud such as highway traffic.
The beam consists of two layers (copper and polyvinylidene fluoride)
that convert the ambient noise’s vibration energy to electrical energy.
The piezoelectric material’s optimum placement have been studied, and
its best positon is obtained on the substrate for the maximum yield.
Unlike previous studies, which the entire beam substrate used to be
covered by a material, this study presents a modest material usage and
contributes to lowering the harvester’s final production cost.
Additionally, in this study, an electrical model was developed for the
sensor and a read-out circuitry was proposed for the converter.
Moreover, the sensor was validated at different noise levels at various
lengths and locations. The simulations were performed in COMSOL
Multiphysics® and MATLAB® and report a maximum sound pressure of 140 dB
from 100 dB point sources in an enclosed air-filled cubic meter chamber.