Mathematical Modelling & Design Analysis of Pipeline Vibration-based Piezoelectric Energy Harvester

Pipeline exhibits turbulence-induced vibrations while conveying fluids or gas. However, the pipeline vibrations are less likely to cause structural failure as it exists in a small magnitude and can be harvested into useful energy. This paper presents research on the piezoelectric energy harvesting method utilizing mechanical energy from pipeline vibration into electrical energy to power up the pipeline monitoring sensor. This study focuses on the development and evaluation of a Piezoelectric Energy Harvester (PEH) module, which will theoretically improve output power for low-powered device applications. Mathematical modelling of the Piezoelectric Energy Harvester was constructed using MATLAB/Simulink whereas the Finite Element Modelling (FEM) analysis is carried out using COMSOL Multiphysics software. Characterization of the design using One Degree of Freedom (IDOF) Piezoelectric Energy Harvester was carried out as a reference to optimize the parameters to be used for the analysis of multiple designs. The performances of 13 different designs of Piezoelectric Energy Harvester were observed to check the design that produces the highest output voltage and output power within the safe vibration region of the pipeline which is from 10 Hz to 300 Hz. From the results obtained, One Degree of Freedom Piezoelectric Energy Harvester was able to produce 17.5761 V and 4.9826 mW at a resonant frequency of 19S.S6 Hz. Meanwhile, Serpentine with Two-Anchor Piezoelectric Energy Harvester yielded up to 40.9229 V and 27.0099 mW at a resonant frequency of 119.67 Hz. The simulation proved that the Serpentine Vibration-Based Piezoelectric Energy Harvester has the potential of producing the expected output power for pipeline monitoring applications.

I. Introduction

A pipeline is defined as a long pipe used for conveying substances over a long distance [1]. The substances are typically water, oil, gas, etc. Pipelines induce turbulence vibration while conveying these substances [2]. This opens an opportunity to exploit vibration from the pipeline and harvest useful mechanical energy into electrical energy.