Optimization of a Piezoelectric Cantilever-Based Windmill
Department
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Major
Mechanical Engineering
Research Advisor
Duan, Lian, 1983-
Advisor's Department
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Funding Source
University of Missouri Research Board
Abstract
Wireless sensor applications require that the power for the sensor and its networks be self-supplied. Previous technology demands that a single charge battery must be replaced once the energy is consumed. Since the sensor application can be in remote locations, the user must periodically retrieve the sensor and replace the power source to ensure consistent data output. A simple design for a piezoelectric cantilever-based windmill allows the sensor to harvest energy from a small amount of available wind power and can reduce the complexity of a self-powered system. The purpose of this research was to computationally and experimentally optimize a simple piezoelectric windmill to increase efficiency. The main goals are to reduce the wind speed required for startup, reduce friction within the cantilever-gear system, and increase the overall power efficiency.
Biography
Tim Victor is a Mechanical Engineering Senior at Missouri University of Science and Technology. He spends most of his time working on his car, staying in shape, and is an active member of Students Today Alumni Tomorrow (STAT) and Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. He will graduate in May of 2016 and hopes to work for an alternative energy company in research and development while also pursuing an MS in Mechanical Engineering.
Research Category
Engineering
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
Document Type
Poster
Award
Engineering poster session, Second place
Location
Upper Atrium/Hallway
Presentation Date
11 Apr 2016, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Optimization of a Piezoelectric Cantilever-Based Windmill
Upper Atrium/Hallway
Wireless sensor applications require that the power for the sensor and its networks be self-supplied. Previous technology demands that a single charge battery must be replaced once the energy is consumed. Since the sensor application can be in remote locations, the user must periodically retrieve the sensor and replace the power source to ensure consistent data output. A simple design for a piezoelectric cantilever-based windmill allows the sensor to harvest energy from a small amount of available wind power and can reduce the complexity of a self-powered system. The purpose of this research was to computationally and experimentally optimize a simple piezoelectric windmill to increase efficiency. The main goals are to reduce the wind speed required for startup, reduce friction within the cantilever-gear system, and increase the overall power efficiency.
