Optimization of Piezo-fibre Composite with IDE Embedded in a Multilayer Glass Fibre Composite

AbstractThis paper deals with studying the effect of positioning and number of PFC with IDE (PFC-W14) embedded in a multilayer glass fibre composite for energy harvesting. Vacuum Bagging process is used to fabricate eight Multi- layered composite with PFC-W14 embedded inside the specimen at different locations and numbers. The PFC-W14 is positioned at different layers of the composite and number of PFC-W14 is varied in order to study various cases of strain acting on composite. Vibration test for different frequencies were conducted on these eight specimen using electro-dynamic shaker. The generated energy is directly proportional to the strain or voltage generated along the perpendicular axis of the direction of the strain applied, which is collected by the Integrated Digitated Electrodes. The max frequency of vibration at which max voltage is generated by each specimen is observed for different locations and numbers. The results of this study are presented with an eye toward obtaining guidelines for design of useful energy harvesting structures