Impact of PZT layer properties in a cantilever beam on energy harvesting performance

The paper presents results of numerical parametric analysis of an energy harvester based on the construction of cantilever beam. The device has two-layered section made of polymer substrate and piezoelectric ceramic PZT as an active layer. A determination of an impact of harvester operating parameters (resistance and excitation amplitude), PZT layer thickness and PZT type on electrical output of the beam and maximum stress values in both layers was the aim of conducted numerical analysis. Performed numerical analyses allow to choose selected parameters values of given cantilever beam harvester which make it possible to receive the most preferable results in the field of material stress and generated electrical energy.