Flow generator
- Transformation of flow energy into electrical energy
- Utilization of oscilatting piezoelectric cantilevers
New methods are developed that allow the transformation of flow energy of gasses or liquids into electrical energy without the use of any rotating parts. Piezoelectric cantilevers are caused to oscillate by the current. Those oscillations are induced by artificial vortices (Karman vortex street). The vortices are purposely created by bluff bodies which are inserted into the fluid flow. With piezoelectric cantilevers attached to those bluff bodies, the thus induced vortices cause the cantilevers to oscillate. The oscillation of the piezoelectric material causes the generation of charges which can be grabbed by electrodes on the surfaces of the piezoelectric material.
Based on FEM-Simulations and analytical calculations the cantilever assembly can be adjusted to the fluid flow conditions. There are already several macroscopic prototypes which have been tested in gas and liquid flows. The cantilevers once the oscillation was initiated start to oscillate with their resonance frequency. Thus, the optimal energy generation is guaranteed. An adaptation to the frequency of an external vibration source is not necessary. The miniaturization of those cantilevers causes an increase of their Eigenfrequency. The Eigenfrequency is significant for the energy conversion. Thus, the miniaturization and the simultaneous optimization of energy conversion is the goal of this research.
Fields of application
- Flow control in hydraulic conduits, air conditioning or comparable areas
- Local supply of sensor nodes
Contact
Dipl.-Ing. Maximilian Spornraft