Energy Harvesting – The Piezo Effect for Generating Energy

The term "energy harvesting" refers to the generation of energy from sources such as ambient temperature, vibration or air flow.

Using energy from the environment allows a self-sufficient energy supply for small electric loads such as sensors or radio transmitters.

With the piezoelectric effect, kinetic motion energy can be converted into electrical energy:
Piezo elements convert the kinetic energy from oscillations or shocks. With corresponding electronics, this effect can be used for creating a self-sufficient system.


Generating energy with the direct piezoelectric effect: Mechanically deforming a piezo crystal with tension or pressure generates electrical charges that can be measured as voltage on the electrodes of the piezo element. (PI (Physik Instrumente))

Application-Oriented Energy Harvesting Solution
Every energy harvesting solution must be adapted individually to the respective application. Consequently energy converters, energy storage and electronics are adjusted to the energy requirements of the load and the energy excitation conditions.


Basic design of an energy harvesting application (PI)

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Piezo Elements and Piezoelectric Transducers from PI
		P-876 DuraAct Patch Transducer Use as actuator, sensor or energy generator Cost-effective Min. bending radii of down to 12 mm Compact design Customized solutions
		>> Data Sheet P-867 DuraAct Patch Transducer >> Products Overview: Piezo Actuators
Designing an Energy Harvesting Solution The design of an energy harvesting solution depends on the characteristics and requirements of the environmental parameters. For the energy source, for example, one needs to distinguish between continuous and pulsed motions. The conditions of the electric load must also be taken into consideration, of course: The important parameters here include the required voltage, the power and the type of input impedance, i.e. capacitive or resistive. With this data it is possible to design and dimension the transducer and storage electronics, including the mechanical system. PI Ceramic has extensive knowledge and years of experience in developing customized solutions for piezoelectric applications.
Energy Harvesting Solutions
		E-821 Electronic Module for Piezo Energy Harvesting Constant output voltage Usable energy 8.7 mJ Uses pulsed or continuous excitation Adaptation to customer application on request
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		E-821.EHD Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting, Evaluation Kit
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		Energy Harvesting Solution To Go The "Energy Harvesting Solution To Go" provides the following benefits: Complete solution from harvesting of the energy, energy management and storage Easy transfer of this solution to your design Evaluation of the highest efficient components in the market >> Visit Würth Elektronik website: design kit "Energy Harvesting Solution To Go"
Piezo Elements Used for Energy Harvesting – Application examples Condition monitoring: A typical application example here is the monitoring of components in complex systems such as airplane wings. Data monitoring and data transmission: Power supply for sensors and radio transmitters, for example in heating and air-conditioning technology for monitoring the temperature or the air flow in pipes. Product monitoring during transport: If vehicle vibrations are used for generating energy, products can be continuously monitored during transport without the corresponding sensors having to be connected to a power supply or equipped with batteries. This is useful if temperatures have to be recorded inside closed containers, for example. Energy supply of wireless ZigBee networks