PPE AND IDE ELECTRODES FOR NEXT GENERATION ENERGY HARVESTERS: A REVIEW

Piezoelectric effect helps to convert ambient vibrations into electrical energy that can be used to power any electronic circuits. Electrode is used as primary sensor to sense these environmental vibrations to harvest energy and convert it to mechanical vibrational energy to electrical energy due to piezoelectric phenomenon. Energy density per volume for Piezoelectric-type harvesters is very high. The proposed work is concentrated on recent energy harvester for self-powered Microsystems and proposes ZnO piezoelectric material for next generation harvesters. In this work simulation is carried out on interdigitated electrodes to sense the vibrations in the enviorenment for the frequencies of 170 to 350 Hz. Energy harvesters can be used in these wireless sensor networks as an alternate source of power. The vibration energy can be converted to electrical energy by the use of piezoelectric PZT, ZnO, AlN, GaAs cemented to micro cantilever. Piezoelectric electrodes play a vital role in energy extraction with higher efficiency. Piezoelectric-type harvesters have the highest reported energy density per volume. Furthermore, piezoelectric materials have an inherent capability of converting the mechanical energy into electrical energy, eliminating the need for external magnetic fields, complicated switching systems, and architectural design complexities. In this paper we have reviewed the work carried out by researchers during last few years. This review paper helps to new comers to decide best structure, material and approach to carry out their research work. Results obtained show a good scope for MEMS harvesters in numerous fields including medical field which was far away because of poisonous piezoelectric material.