Simulation Study for Energy Harvesting Using Polyvinylidene Fluoride flag in the Flow

In this paper, Dynamic response and energy harvesting potential of single piezoelectric flag in the uniform flow is analyzed through 2D simulation method. A piezoelectric material named Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) is used to manufacture the piezoelectric flag. Special example is introduced to analyze the dynamic response and energy harvesting potential in the axial flow. The generated electric voltage and special points' displacement variation with time are presented. The harvesting energy performance is researched. It is found that the flapping of the PVDF flag comes into limit-cycle after a few cycles adjustment and five characteristic points flap with the same cycle at the velocity of 3m/s. the optimal resistance has an inverse proportion relationship with the velocity. With the increase of the inlet velocity the voltage will reach a stable value while the maximum output power will increase persistently. This paper will help to find more efficient energy harvester, and the energy harvester will be able to supply energy for the MEMS in the flow.