Enhanced magnetic energy harvesting properties of magneto-mechano-electric generator by tailored geometry

Abstract

By tailoring the truncated shape of a cantilever structured magneto-mechano-electric (MME) generator that is composed of a piezoelectric single crystal fiber composite and a magnetostrictive Ni plate, a superior output harvesting power density of over 680% was obtained as compared to a typical rectangular shaped generator. The effect of the MME generator's shape on the strain distribution induced by magnetostriction and vibration characteristics and harvesting properties were simulated by finite element analysis modeling and confirmed experimentally, respectively. The truncated shape was effective for not only utilizing a more uniform in-plane strain distribution in the active piezoelectric area but also magnifying the flexural vibration amplitude, which in turn can make the generator more powerful under tiny magnetic oscillations.