Loading [MathJax]/extensions/MathZoom.js
Optimal Voltage Profile for MPPT in Piezoelectric Energy Harvesters Loaded by diode bridge rectifiers | IEEE Conference Publication | IEEE Xplore

Optimal Voltage Profile for MPPT in Piezoelectric Energy Harvesters Loaded by diode bridge rectifiers


Abstract:

This paper is focused on resonant piezoelectric vibration energy harvesters loaded by diode bridge rectifiers. Typically, in such applications the voltage at the output o...Show More

Abstract:

This paper is focused on resonant piezoelectric vibration energy harvesters loaded by diode bridge rectifiers. Typically, in such applications the voltage at the output of the rectifier is properly regulated by a DC/DC converter for maximum power point tracking purposes. Resistance emulation and voltage adaptation are the strategies that are usually adopted. In this paper, an optimal shape of the voltage profile at the output port of the rectifier is identified. The proposed voltage profile can lead to the extraction of a higher average power with respect to both resistance emulation and voltage adaptation techniques. In the framework of the fundamental harmonic analysis, the proposed optimal voltage profile allows the emulation, at the harvester terminals, of an ohmic-inductive passive load as required by the maximum power transfer theorem.
Date of Conference: 06-08 July 2023
Date Added to IEEE Xplore: 07 August 2023
ISBN Information:
Conference Location: Torino, Italy

Funding Agency:


I. Introduction

Many energy harvesting devices, based on different transduction mechanisms such as piezoelectric, thermoelectric, photovoltaic, and electromagnetic ones, have been proposed in the literature [1]–[2]. In this paper, the attention is focused on Resonant Piezoelectric Vibration Energy Harvesters (RPVEHs) [3]–[4]. In the great majority of practical and commercial cases, the power electronics interface between the RPVEH and the rechargeable battery and/or the DC load is represented by a diode bridge rectifier with a DC/DC converter connected at its output and aimed at the so called Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) [5]–[10]. Two are the strategies that are usually adopted to carry out the MPPT, and hence to extract the maximum average power from the RPVEH, in presence of vibrations characterized by sinusoidal accelerations with frequency equal to the mechanical resonance frequency of the RPVEH. They are the “Resistance Emulation” (RE) technique and the “Voltage Adaptation” (VA) technique. In the RE technique, the power electronics interface emulates a resistance, the Maximum Power Point (MPP) resistance , at the RPVEH terminals [11]–[13]. In the VA technique, the power electronics interface regulates the level of the bridge rectifier DC output voltage to the MPP constant value [14]–[16]. Such techniques are indeed used also in other very widespread energy harvesting applications [17]–[22] but the emphasis in this paper is on RPVEHs applications, even if the conclusions which will be drawn hold general validity.

References

References is not available for this document.