Influence of the potential barrier switching frequency on the effectiveness of energy harvesting

Dataseries and figures represent the dynamics of such a system with the additional possibility of a switchable potential barrier in the nonlinear resonator. The dynamic kinetic energy harvesting systems have been developed that use nonlinear mechanical resonators and corresponding transducers to generate electrical power. Nonlinearities are important to achieve broadband input frequency efficiency, which is necessary to ensure that the output voltage has a satisfactory level in the presence of a variable ambient vibration source. To improve the effectiveness of the energy generator, we numerically test the possibility of using abrupt changes in the system parameters. The analysis of the voltage output for different frequencies of both the harmonic excitations and the potential barrier switching was carried out. In a range that includes low and high switching frequencies of potentials, the periodic solutions dominate in the bifurcation diagrams. In view of the high switching frequency, the RMS values of the voltage at the piezoelectric electrodes are significantly reduced. The highest RMS values of the voltage induced on the piezoelectric electrodes are observed when chaotic solutions occur, due to their specific ability to pass the potential barrier at relatively low excitation. The results also show that sufficiently high mechanical damping minimizes the influence of the transient states caused by the switching potentials.

Series information

Series of the RMS values of the voltage induced at the piezoelectric electrodes: system with two wells (Relevant parameters are indicated.):

• Fig3a_w015_p01.txt
• Fig3a_w015_p05.txt

Series of the RMS values of the voltage induced at the piezoelectric electrodes: system with three wells:

• Fig3b_w015_p01.txt
• Fig3b_w015_p05.txt

Series of the RMS values of the voltage induced at the piezoelectric electrodes: system with a switchable potential barrier:

• Fig3c_w015_p01.txt
• Fig3c_w015_p05.txt

Series of data for bifurcation diagrams that show the effect of the dimensionless amplitude p of mechanical vibrations, which affect the energy harvesting system:

• Fig4a_p01_w0015.txt
• Fig4a_p025_w0015.txt
• Fig4b_p04_w0015.txt
• Fig4b_p055_w0015.txt

Series illustrating the influence of ωS on the structure of the bifurcation diagrams for constant value of dimensionless amplitude p = 0.1. Parameters of the corresponding cases are indicated in the file names and figures. 

• Fig7a_p01_w0005.txt
• Fig7b_p01_w001.txt
• Fig7c_p01_w003.txt
• Fig7d_p01_w1.txt
• Fig7e_p01_w3.txt
• Fig7f_p01_w4.txt