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A Finite Element Model of Self-Resonating Bimorph Microcantilever for Fast Temperature Cycling in A Pyroelectric Energy Harvester

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Abstract

A self resonating bimorph cantilever structure for fast temperature cycling in a pyroelectric energy harvester has been modeled using finite element method. Effect of constituting material properties and system parameters on the frequency and magnitude of temperature cycling and the efficiency of energy recycling using the proposed structure has been investigated. Results show that thermal contact conductance and heat source temperature play a key role in dominating the cycling frequency and efficiency of energy recycling. Studying the performance trend with various parameters such as thermal contact conductance, heat source temperature, device aspect ratio and constituent material of varying thermal conductivity and expansion coefficient, an optimal solution for most efficient energy scavenging process has been sought.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Depapartment of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, The University of Tennessee, 37996-2100, Knoxville, TN, U.S.A.

    Salwa Mostafa & Syed K. Islam

  2. Measurement Science and Systems Engineering Division, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 37831, Oak Ridge, TN, U.S.A.

    Nicolay Lavrik, Thirumalesh Bannuru, Slo Rajic, Panos G. Datskos & Scott R. Hunter

Authors
  1. Salwa Mostafa
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  2. Nicolay Lavrik
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  3. Thirumalesh Bannuru
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  4. Slo Rajic
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  5. Syed K. Islam
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  6. Panos G. Datskos
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  7. Scott R. Hunter
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Mostafa, S., Lavrik, N., Bannuru, T. et al. A Finite Element Model of Self-Resonating Bimorph Microcantilever for Fast Temperature Cycling in A Pyroelectric Energy Harvester. MRS Online Proceedings Library 1325, 404 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1557/opl.2011.1255

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1557/opl.2011.1255

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