On the energy harvesting from vortex-induced vibrations

A linear model of the energy harvesting from vortex-induced vibration ( VIV ) is developed to simulate the interaction between the dynamics of a single degree of freedom structure coupled with a piezoelectric energy harvester ( PEH ) when the assembly is subjected to vortex shedding excitation. The developed model aims at revealing the unique stability characteristics and the generated lock-in zones resulting from the coupling between the base structure, piezo-harvester, and the vortex shedding. Eigenvalue analysis of the system dynamics, via root-locus plots and Routh-Hurwitz Criterion, is utilized to explain the underlying phenomena governing such a complex dynamical coupling. The model is further employed to determine the optimal parameters of the harvester which are necessary to harness the maximum harvested power.