Journal Article ReviewFluid MechanicsFall 2014For: Dr. Jed E. Marquart

Energy Harvesting Dynamic Vibration AbsorbersShaikh Faruque Ali and Sondipon AdhikariJ. Appl. Mech.80(4), 041004 (May 16, 2013) (9 pages)

Westley A GomezSeptember 26, 2014

Summary:This article discusses the possibility of using a vibration absorber within a structure and using it to harvest the vibrational energy within structure to power. The authors decide to focus more on idea the on how to control the vibration with the structure, while the energy harvester is secondary objective. A problem that the authors address is that smart structures, structures that continually gather data on the response that a building has to its environment, which they have to be powered continuously by external sources (i.e. power lines, batteries, etc.) that in some places are hard to access in the event of a problem. Delving further into the article the topic turns to possibility of vibrational energy harvesters splitting off into two types: Electromagnetic, generating power from the motion of the coil it has due to vibration in a magnetic field, and Piezoelectric, generation power from the strain in the materials in response to what is happening externally. Focusing more on piezoelectric they further expand on how this type energy harvester is more beneficial for what they are proposing. How it is less prone to mechanical failure due to a simpler design, less moving parts, and that it is small. The authors put forward the idea of coupling piezoelectric energy harvester with a dynamic vibration absorber (DVA) to reduce the vibration of a structure while simultaneously harvest energy from DVA. From there the article shows the equations that are necessary for this idea to work starting with the Fixed-point theory and how it applies to a DVA, and developing it to optimal conditions for mechanical side of the DVA and the electrical side for the energy harvester and determining the amount of power harvested by using this method. Ultimately the authors have shown enough evidence to suggest the feasibility of their idea giving any other individual to continue the work that these two have started.

Possible Applications:Looking at the fact that right now it would be limited to monitoring the structures it would allow companies and government utilities to easily maintain a continuous stream of data concerning a project or how a system is holding up. Even in the most far flung regions they would be keep tabs on how a structure is performing. Though this research could lead to in advancements well beyond the realm it is in right now (i.e. wireless transmitting of structural data, etc.). With any advancements the energy harvesters and DVAs they could essentially turn any structure into a generator. Areas of sizable seismic activity or just even medium wind velocities would become power plants for their own structures. Though maybe not completely independent from the grid it would allow areas that are not known for its energy production to stand on their own. Telecommunications would be redefined as they could increase the size of their overland networks because after the initial set up they would be independent and wouldnt be disturbed unless maintenance would be required. However there would be the issue for cost installing such systems and what would be the impact of creating such systems would have on their environment.