Nonlinear Dynamics of Pendulums System for Energy Harvesting

In this paper dynamics of a parametric pendulums system operating in rotational regime has been investigated with a view of energy harvesting. The main idea is based on the conversion of the oscillatory motion of the oscillatory motion into rotation of pendulums [1]. Numerical, analytical and experimental studies have been undertaken on a parametric pendulum and a pendulum excited by a planar motion. They suggest the rotational motion is persisting and occurs for a large range of frequencies and excitation amplitudes, which are the main control parameters. These investigations reinforce the viability of this new concept of the energy conversion. A system of two pendulums has been modelled and analysed. Specifically, the dynamics of the parametric pendulums systems has been investigated numerically and experimentally focusing on synchronized rotational solutions. The target state is a synchronized counter rotation of both pendulums. A control strategy aiming to initiate and maintain the desired rotational responses, has been developed and verified numerically and experimentally.