A study of a piezoelectric energy harvesting system using magnetorheological fluids

This thesis reports the study of a piezoelectric energy harvesting system using a thin layer of magnetorheological fluid as a soft impact mechanism to enhance the frequency of the energy generator. Currently, the major bottleneck of vibration energy harvesting is the dynamic nature of vibrations in the environment which necessitates that vibration energy harvesters change their frequency to match that of the source. This work used the variable rheological properties of magnetorheological fluids to tune the frequency of a piezoelectric energy harvester. The study employed both numerical and experimental studies to investigate the effect of using the fluid in vibration energy harvesting. The results obtained show an increase in the output voltage and frequency of the device by 9.7% and 36%, respectively. For the first time, a soft impact frequency-increased piezoelectric energy harvesting system using magnetorheological fluid is studied in this thesis.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Applied Science (MASc)

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Mechanical Engineering

Grantor

University of Ontario Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2020

Author dc:creator

• Azangbebil, Hayford

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Agelin-Chaab, Martin

• Magnetorheological fluids
• Frequency amplification
• Spring force
• Heaviside function
• Yield stress

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10155/1198

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:ontariotechu.scholaris.ca:10155/1198