Correcting the orbits of coexisting solutions via a piezoelectric element in energy harvesting systems

This paper aims to present a novel and complex methodology for realizing high-energy orbits in energy harvesting systems. To achieve this, we have designed a new system structure that consists of elastic elements with variable configuration. In the first part of the work, we identified the characteristics of a potential function and performed a sensitivity analysis depending on ten thousand values of parameters defining the geometry and stiffness of the system. Then, for selected characteristics and based on the dimensionless model, we calculated and compared the energy effectiveness for various identified coexisting solutions and chaotic and periodic motion zones, with identification of transient chaos. In the second part of the work, because of the existence of high- and low-energy orbits, we conducted simulations to investigate the possibility of changing it by an impulse applied directly to the piezoelectric element. We used the Impulse Excitation Diagram supplemented by multicolored probability distribution maps illustrating the possibility of achieving a stable orbit at given numerical values of the impulse amplitude and duration. On the basis of such maps, it was possible to optimally select parameters of the impulse to jump to a high-energy orbit. • A novel method for the probability of achieving high-energy orbits is presented. • Identification of transient chaos using wavelet spectra is introduced. • Sensitivity analysis for ten thousand values of system parameters is conducted. • Coexisting solutions and their energy effectiveness are determined.