Abstract
The spontaneous flapping of a flag in a steady flow can be used to power an output circuit using piezoelectric elements positioned at its surface. Here, we study numerically the effect of inductive circuits on the dynamics of this fluid-solid-electric system and on its energy-harvesting efficiency. In particular, a destabilization of the system is identified, leading to energy harvesting at lower flow velocities. Also, a frequency lock-in between the flag and the circuit is shown to significantly enhance the system’s harvesting efficiency. These results suggest promising efficiency enhancements of such flow-energy harvesters through the output circuit optimization.
1 More- Received 24 July 2014
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevApplied.3.014009
© 2015 American Physical Society
Synopsis
Energetic Flags
Published 29 January 2015
A piezoelectric flag coupled to an inductive electrical circuit can be an efficient energy-harvesting device.
See more in Physics