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

Year 2017, Volume: 4 Issue: 3, 117 - 121, 25.10.2017

Funda Demir Mustafa Anutgan

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

• Funda Demir--- Karabuk University, Electronics Technology Department, 78050, Karabuk, Turkey Tel: [phone], Fax: [phone], [e-mail]
• 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