Optimal Design of Piezoelectric Materials for Maximal Energy Harvesting

Abstract

The military's dependence on fossil fuels for electric power production in isolated settings is both logistically and monetarily expensive. Currently, the Department of Defense is actively seeking alternative methods to produce electricity, thus decreasing dependence on fossil fuels and increasing combat power. We believe piezoelectric generators have the ability to contribute to military applications of alternative electrical power generation in isolated and austere conditions. In this paper, we use three and six variable mathematical models to analyze piezoelectric generator power generation capabilities. Using mk factorial sampling, nearly orthogonal and balanced Latin hypercube (NOBLH) design, and NOBLH iterative methods, we find optimal solutions to maximize piezoelectric generator power output. We further analyze our optimal results using robustness analysis techniques to determine the sensitivity of our models to variable precision. With our results, we provide analysts and engineers the optimal designs involving material parameters in the piezoelectric generator, as well as the generator s environment, in order to maximize electric output.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 2015
Accession Number
ADA632483

Entities

People

  • Russell J. Nelson

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Computational Science
  • Differential Equations
  • Electric Generators
  • Electric Power
  • Electric Power Production
  • Electricity
  • Energy Harvesting
  • Energy Storage
  • Engineers
  • Fossil Fuels
  • Generators
  • Materials
  • Piezoelectric Crystals
  • Piezoelectric Effect
  • Piezoelectric Materials
  • Renewable Energy
  • Resonant Frequency

Readers

  • Maritime Combat Support and Expeditionary Logistics.
  • Operations Research
  • Solar Photovoltaics and Thermoelectric Devices.