Energy harvesting of composite cantilever beam mounted on flexible structures to protect piezoelectric sensor and maximisation of the output power

In structural health monitoring, the concept of converting structural dynamic strain into electricity using piezoelectric transducers to powering micro electric devices of the wireless sensor network has received significant attention by researchers and industrial companies to find an alternative solution of the limited span life conventional batteries. The working static and dynamic strain of piezoelectric transducers are limited by the manufacturer and have a strong effect on the sensor working period life and the amount of harvesting power. This study is proposed an effective solution to protect and extend the working life of the piezoelectric sensors and maximise the output power regardless of the maximum amplitude of the structural static and dynamic strain. This study was achieved by designing a resonance piezoelectric cantilever beam mounted on flexible structures and tested with different types of structures subjected to the variable amplitude of static and dynamic strain.