Enhanced buckled-beam piezoelectric energy harvesting using midpoint magnetic force

Aiming to improve the functionality of a buckled-beam piezoelectric energy harvester, a midpoint magnetic force is utilized to enable snap-through motions under low-frequency (<30 Hz) small-amplitude (0.2 g-0.8 g) excitations. The noncontact midpoint magnetic force is introduced through a local magnetic levitation system created by neodymium magnets and is capable of triggering the second buckling mode that helps the beam easily snap through between equilibriums when subjected to excitations. Significant enhancements, along with distinct nonlinear phenomena, are observed at low frequencies in terms of large-amplitude voltage output and extended frequency bandwidth. Frequency tuning is also achievable by adjusting the separation distance between magnets. (C) 2013 AIP Publishing LLC.