Fourier transform-based design of a patterned piezoelectric energy harvester integrated with an elastoacoustic mirror

We explore efficient transformation of structure-borne propagating waves into low-power electricity using patterned polymer piezoelectrics integrated with an elastoacoustic mirror configuration. Fourier transform-based spatial optimization of a piezoelectric energy harvester domain weakly coupled to a thin plate housing a continuous elliptical elastoacoustic mirror is presented. Computational modeling and experimental testing are employed to quantify performance enhancement in power generation using the presented approach. Excellent agreement is observed between numerical simulations and experimental measurements. Specifically, dramatic enhancement of the harvested power output is reported by patterning the electrodes of a rectangular polyvinylidene fluoride piezoelectric energy harvester in the elliptical mirror domain. (C) 2015 AIP Publishing LLC.