Simultaneous Analysis of Strongly-Coupled Composite Energy Harvester-Circuit Systems Driven by Fluid-Structure Interaction

A specific class of energy harvester devices is investigated, that allow conversion of ambient fluid flow energy to electrical energy via flow-induced vibrations [1] of a piezo-ceramic composite structure positioned in the flow field. Potentially harmful flow fluctuations are harnessed to provide independent power supply to small electrical devices [2]. Such concept simultaneously involves the interaction of a composite structure and a surrounding fluid, the electric charge accumulated in the piezo-ceramic material and a controlling electrical circuit. In order to predict the efficiency and operational properties of these devices and to increase their robustness and performance, a predictive model of the complex physical system allows systematic computational investigation of the involved phenomena and coupling characteristics.

A monolithic approach is proposed that provides simultaneous modelling and analysis of the harvester, which involves surface-coupled fluid-structure interaction, volume-coupled electro mechanics and a controlling energy harvesting circuit for applications in energy harvesting. A three dimensional space-time finite element approximation [3] is used for numerical solution of the weighted residual form of the governing equations of the flow-driven piezoelectric energy-harvesting device. This method enables time-domain investigation of different types of structures (plate, shells) subject to exterior/interior flow with varying cross sections, material compositions, and attached electrical circuits with respect to the electrical power output generated [4].

The space-time finite element model presented incorporates a novel method to enforce equipotentiality on the electrodes covering the piezoelectric patches, making the charge unknowns naturally appear in the formulation [5]. This enables to adapt any type of electrical circuit added to the electromechanical problem.