Miniaturized Model of a Macro Fiber Composite Piezoelectric Transducer Based Wind Tunnel and Its Optimization for Energy Harvesting

Abstract

In this study, wind energy has been used to investigate the voltage produced from macro fiber composite (MFC) piezoelectric transducers at different conditions. Miniaturized model of a wind tunnel has been designed and produced to measure and optimize its performance practically in the lab environment. The geometrical shape of this wind tunnel is a rectangular prism with fiber glass side walls one of which includes small fan motors as the source of wind. The wind speed reaching the piezoelectric cantilevers has been adjusted by the applied voltage on these fans. MFC transducers are placed into this tunnel with different axes. The voltages produced by these active materials in different positions have been compared and the proper placement of the material for the maximum electrical signal output has been determined. In addition, it has been aimed to increase the produced voltage by attaching differently shaped polyurethane materials on the MFC piezoelectric transducer. After establishing the optimum conditions, the total produced voltage has been stored by the energy harvesting circuitry of this setup.

Keywords

• MFC,Piezoelectric,Wind tunnel

References

1. Funda Demir--- Karabuk University, Electronics Technology Department, 78050, Karabuk, Turkey Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone], [e-mail]
2. Mustafa Anutgan 1. Karabuk University, Faculty of Technology, Mechatronics Engineering Department, 78050, Karabuk, Turkey Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone], [e-mail] 2. Karabuk University, Thin Film Coatings Laboratory, Materials Research and Development Center (MARGEM), 78050, Karabuk, Turkey