Simulation and Optimization of Substrate Layer Material for PVDF Cantilever Based Vibration Energy Harvesting System

Research in thermal, motion, vibration, and electromagnetic radiation energy harvesting has led to advancements in power generation and smaller device sizes. Cantilever-shaped piezoelectric energy harvesters using lightweight and flexible piezopolymers are favored for low-power devices, replacing batteries. To improve performance, efficient substrate materials and optimized geometries are crucial. Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), a polymer-based piezoelectric material, has been coated on various substrates such as metals, semiconductors, insulators, and polymers making the harvester suitable for various applications. Among the 20 substrate types examined, efficient substrates that produce maximum power at lower frequency vibrations were chosen for further optimization in the geometry of the PVDF-piezoelectric energy harvester. Resonant frequencies ranged from 10 to 36 Hz, with the PVDF/Beryllium copper device structure producing a maximum electrical output of 104.38 mW at a resonant frequency of 14.3 Hz. Tapering the cantilever’s thickness and proof mass dimensions resulted in an optimized PVDF-based piezoelectric energy harvester structure that can be utilized in lower resonance frequency applications.