Development and testing of a dynamic absorber with corrugated piezoelectric spring for vibration control and energy harvesting applications

Vibrational energy harvesting devices are often designed in a manner analogous to classical dynamic vibration absorbers (DVAs). An electromechanical mass–spring system is devised so as to resonate at the frequency most dominant in the environmental vibration spectrum; the consequent device oscillation is converted to a electrical signal which is harnessed for immediate usage or as a charging mechanism for a battery. The DVA is likewise designed but with the intention of inducing substantial inertial influence upon a host structure for vibration control purposes, either to globally dampen the vibration of the main body or, in an undamped configuration to “absorb” the primary system vibration at a single frequency. This paper describes the development of an electromechanical mass–spring–damper which seeks to serve both goals of passive vibration control and energy harvesting. The device utilizes a piezoelectric film spring and a distributed mass layer so as to be suitable for the attenuation of surface vibrations and to convert a portion of the absorbed energy into electric power. The development and design of the device are presented and the results of realistic tests are provided to show both the potentials and the challenges encountered when attempting to superpose the goals of vibration control and energy harvesting.

► The design of an energy harvesting vibration absorber is detailed.
► A corrugated piezoelectric film spring is used for power harvesting and damping.
► Simultaneous vibration control and energy harvesting is achieved using the device.
► Tests show the viability of the device in realistic vibration environments.