Conceptual design of laminated piezoelectric energy harvesting devices using topology optimization subjected to global stress constraints
Luis Mello1; Cesar Yukishigue Kiyono2; João Carlos Sávio Cordeiro1; Luciana Wasnievski da Silva1; Emilio Carlos Nelli Silva2
1 Institute for Technological Research; 2 University of Sao Paulo
doi:10.20906/CPS/COB-2015-1219
Resumo
Energy harvesters convert wasted energy into electrical energy. The available energy sources are solar, mechanical, temperature gradient-based, among others. In this work, the conceptual design of laminated piezoelectric energy harvesting devices capable of harvesting vibrational energy have been studied using the topology optimization method (TOM). The developed TOM code combines the finite element method and an optimization algorithm to determine the layout of the piezoelectric material that maximizes the effective electric power (measured at a coupled electric resistor) generated by a harmonic excitation. A global stress constraint, which accounts for distinct failure criteria for different types of materials (isotropic and piezoelectric) is enforced to prevent device failure. Regarding the TOM formulation, the Piezoelectric Material with Penalization and Polarization (PEMAP-P) material model, which allows for piezoelectric material distribution, is used. Regarding the finite element formulation, a piezoelectric shell element is employed. Numerical examples show that it is possible to obtain a non-intuitive optimized design that satisfies all design constraints, which would be difficult to accomplish by using trial and error based design procedures or even by considering the practical expertise of a designer.
Palavras-chave: topology optimization; stress constraints; energy harvesting; electric power maximization