A painting type of flexible piezoelectric device for ocean energy harvesting

Energy harvesting using piezoelectric materials can be realised by periodic external force. Piezoelectric material directly converts strain energy into electric power to capture a wasted ambient kinetic energy. This recovered energy can be used for operating wireless sensors, such as those found in environmental monitoring, mechanical sensing and structural diagnostic. In our previous work, a flexible piezoelectric device, FPED, was proposed and developed as an energy harvester for generating electric power from flow-induced vibration in ocean and wind environments. In this study a FPED with a painted piezoelectric layer, highly durable in order to withstand extreme bending and weathering caused by waves and currents, is proposed and developed by spray coating for use as an ocean energy harvester. A numerical method is developed to predict electro-fluid–structure interactions and to evaluate electrical performance and mechanical behaviours of the painted FPED. Additionally, validation of the numerical model is provided through several experimental tests. This study also investigates the relationship between the stiffness of the painted FPED and the vibrated frequency, as well as determining their influence on the electrical performance. Finally, the outcomes from a field test, conducted in real ocean space, is presented to provide information on electrical performance, mechanical behaviours and durability of painted FPEDs. The paper shows that a painted FPED is a useful and robust energy harvester for generating electric power from harsh environments.