Modeling and Experimental Validation of Vortex-Induced Vibrations (VIV) Energy Harvesting

Abstract

A concept of energy harvesting from vortex-induced vibrations of a rigid circular cylinder with two piezoelectric beams attached is investigated. A mathematical model that including the coupled cylinder motion and harvested voltage is presented. The effects of the load resistance on the natural frequency and damping ratio of the vibratory system is determined by performing a linear analysis. Numerical solutions of the coupled equations for the configurations are then performed to determine the effects of varying the load resistance and wind speed,by constrasting the results on experience to investigate the harvester’s response. The results show that the system can obtain the highest harvested power at a certain velocity and load resistance.