Investigation of Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting at Elevated Temperatures

Due to their capability to convert mechanical energy directly to electrical energy, piezoelectric energy harvesters have become a new powering choice for many electronic devices. This work demonstrates piezoelectric energy harvester systems operating in environments ranging from room temperature up to 82°C and compares their performance using different piezoelectric materials. The systems are structured with a PMN-PT (lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate) single crystal patch bonded to an aluminum cantilever beam, PIN-PMN-PT (lead indium niobate-lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate) single crystal patch bonded to an aluminum cantilever beam and a bimorph cantilever beam which is made by lead zirconate titanate (PZT). The results show that temperature has affected the output power of the energy harvesting system in a complex way and shifted the resonance frequency to a lower value. The results provide an invaluable reference for energy harvesting in harsh environments.