A Novel Concept for Micro-Power Generation Using Flow-induced Self-excited Oscillations

该奖项的目标是研究和描述用于无线传感和通信的微型发电的可扩展概念的物理基础。受到口琴的启发，口琴在受到空气吹拂时通过芦苇的振荡产生音调，该概念利用嵌入腔内的压电悬臂梁的流动诱导自激振荡，将风能转化为电能。为了实现这一目标，具体的研究包括：i)将连续系统振动、压电和流体动力学理论与计算分析相结合，建立一个控制系统非线性气动机电响应的降阶数学模型；ii)从非线性系统动力学中实施分析、半分析和数值方法，以了解设计参数在机电转导中所起的相互关联的作用，以及如何优化它们以提高性能。这项研究的结果将建立从流动诱导振荡中收集能量所必需的基本理解，并将提供工具来确定设计参数在能量收集所需的极限环振荡中所起的未知作用。基于所提出概念的微型发电机将有助于为许多重要电子系统供电并扩展其自主操作，例如用于无线通信、遥感和健康监测网络的电子系统。研究结果与无数的教育活动联系在一起，并将导致新的研究生课程设置。其中包括一个创造性的调查项目和向当地社区推广的倡议。还建议为代表性不足和少数民族的学生提供类似的经历。

Abstract1000667Mohammed DaqaqClemson University The goal of this award is to investigate and delineate the physical underpinnings of a scalable concept for micro power generation for wireless sensing and communication. Inspired by music-playing harmonicas that create tones via oscillations of reeds when subjected to air blow, the proposed concept exploits flow-induced self-excited oscillations of piezoelectric cantilever beams embedded within a cavity to transform wind energy into electricity. To achieve this goal, the specific investigations include i) integrating theories in continuous-systems vibrations, piezoelectricity, and fluid dynamics with computational analysis to develop a reduced-order mathematical model that governs the nonlinear aero-electro-mechanical response of the system; and ii) implementing analytical, semi-analytical, and numerical methodologies from nonlinear systems dynamics to understand the interconnected role that the design parameters play in the electromechanical transduction and how to optimize them for enhanced performance . Results of this research will build the fundamental understanding necessary for energy harvesting from flow-induced oscillations and will provide the tools to determine the unknown role that the design parameters play in the limit-cycle oscillations necessary for energy harvesting. Micro-power generators based on the proposed concept will aid in powering and extending the autonomous operations of many vital electronic systems such as those used in wireless communications, remote sensing, and health-monitoring networks. Research results are tied to a myriad of educational activities and will result in new graduate course offerings. These include a creative inquiry project and an outreach initiative to the local community. Extensive efforts are also proposed to provide underrepresented and minority students with similar experiences.