The modelling of a piezoelectricvibration powered generator for microsystems

As MEMS and Smart Material technologies advance, embedded and remote applications are becoming more widespread. Powering these systems can be a significant engineering problem, as traditional solutions such as batteries are not always appropriate. A method is described for modelling the power than can be produced from piezoelectric inertial generators. The method uses a combination of FEA and a complex stiffness model of a resistively shunted piezoelectric element. The model is verified with experimental results. Although the prototype produces only 3µW, the model reveals that orders of magnitude increase in power output are possible.