Development of an open-source fluid-structure interaction model of a small-scale piezoelectric wind energy harvesting system

The demand for sustainable energy sources for low-power devices such as medical implants, wireless sensors, and MEMS devices has driven research into innovative energy harvesting methods. These devices traditionally rely on batteries, which have limitations such as a short lifespan, environmental impact, andhigh maintenance costs. As an alternative, micro power generators (MPGs) offerthe potential to convert environmental energy sources like thermal, solar, wind, and vibrations into electricity. Among these, vibration-induced resonance-based (VIV) energy harvesting methods are noteworthy. However, their reliance onspecific resonant frequencies limits efficiency to narrow frequency ranges. Toaddress this limitation, flow-induced vibration-based piezoelectric wind energyharvesting systems have been developed. These systems use a piezoelectric can-tilever placed in an enclosure to harness self-sustained vibrations generated bywind flow. This mechanism converts airflow into periodic strains, producingelectric energy through the piezoelectric layer, eliminating resonance frequencydependence. Flow-induced vibration energy harvesting is a novel concept beingstudied in configurations such as piezoelectric membranes in vortex streets, flutter mills made of flexible plates, and oscillating foils inspired by fish swimmingdynamics. This study models the flow-induced vibration of a piezoelectric beamwithin a rectangle cross-sectional channel using fluid-structure interaction (FSI) analysis. The flow, modeled as time-dependent, and incompressible will be simulated using OpenFOAM, while structural analysis will utilize FEniCS. The data exchange between the fluid and structural solvers was carried out using the preCICE library. The study identified the critical volumetric flow rate at which limit cycle oscillations commence, and analyzed the piezoelectric-based voltage generation potential above this threshold.