Piezoelectric Energy Harvester for Rotating Environments Based on Up-Converting Impact

Abstract

The design and analysis of a piezoelectric energy harvester for low-frequency rotating environments, aimed at autonomous monitoring systems, are presented. To characterize real-world operating conditions, vibrations were measured on a wind turbine blade, identifying the main excitation frequencies present in the structure. The device uses a multi-beam configuration excited by gravitational forces during rotation. To improve efficiency under low-impedance conditions, up-converting is incorporated through controlled impacts, allowing activation of higher frequencies. The study proposes leveraging these vibration frequencies to maximize energy conversion and evaluate the prototype’s performance. Preliminary results demonstrate the potential of this strategy to extend the lifespan of embedded sensors in hard-to-reach environments, reducing dependence on conventional batteries.