Geometric nonlinear model and optimization of vortex-induced energy harvester with variable beam width

This paper proposes a geometric nonlinear analytical model of a vortex-induced energy harvester (VIEH) with variable beam width in order to improve the output performance. The analytic method is adopted to establish the geometric nonlinear model of VIEH. Based on the geometric nonlinear analytical model, the beam structure is then optimized to improve the output. The results show that the harvested power and average power density within a specific resistance range can be increased through the beam width variation of the VIEH. Nonlinear hardening behaviors can be observed in the outputs varied by the flow velocity of a VIEH with variable beam width.