Research on power optimization of stacked piezoelectric energy harvesters integrated on automotive suspension systems

Abstract

Recently, the development from basic research to applied research for piezoelectric energy harvesting systems from piezoelectric oscillations has become an attractive topic. The main advantages of this system are simple structure, relatively high output power density compared to other mechanisms such as electromagnetic and electrostatic, compatibility with small power electronic systems such as MEMS and the ability to operate in a wide frequency range. When integrating the piezoelectric energy harvesting system with the vehicle suspension system, the integrated system must ensure the following two requirements. One is to maintain the functions of the integrated system as a conventional suspension system. The other is to collect vibration energy and convert it into electrical energy as much as possible. In this study, the topic focuses on building a model to calculate, analyze, and optimize the electrical capacity of the stacked piezoelectric energy harvesting system integrated into the suspension system, based on a 1/4 vehicle model with a harmonic road surface agitation. The research results aim to serve the calculation and technical design of the suspension system integrating the piezoelectric energy harvesting system according to the two basic requirements mentioned above and/or can be extended to systems with similar properties.

Keywords: Stacked piezoelectric energy harvesting system, suspension system, harmonic ground agitation.