Design and Optimisation of Piezoelectric Materials for Harnessing Ambient Mechanical Energy

The ability of some materials to undergo deformation in response to the application of an electric field and, conversely, to generate an electric charge when exposed to mechanical forces is referred to as piezoelectricity. The bidirectional interaction between mechanical and electrical energy renders piezoelectric materials very adaptable for many applications, including sensors, actuators, and energy harvesting. This study focuses on the design and optimization of nano-structured piezoelectric cylindrical rods for harvesting ambient mechanical energy. Using finite element modeling in COMSOL Multiphysics, the research investigates the behavior of various piezoelectric substance, under varying conditions. The performance was analyzed based on eigenfrequencies, deflection patterns, and voltage output across different lengths of the cylindrical rod. Results demonstrated that material selection and structural configuration critically influence the energy harvesting efficiency. Barium Titanate exhibited high voltage output but limited elasticity, while PVDF showed promising flexibility and environmental resilience. The findings support the potential of piezoelectric energy harvesters for powering wireless electronic devices by capturing mechanical vibrations from ambient environments.