Abstract
Vibration energy offers promising potential for renewable energy harvesting, especially in conditions where conventional sources such as solar power may be limited or intermittent. This study proposes a rain energy harvester (REH) that converts the kinetic energy of raindrops into electrical energy using nonlinear thin plates, integrated with piezoelectric elements. Two plate configurations-fully hinged (H-H-H-H) and clamped-hinged-free-hinged (C-H-F-H)-are investigated. Theoretical modeling and simulation results are compared with experimental data, with special attention paid to the role of slapping forces in improving prediction accuracy. A power management system is also introduced to stabilize and regulate the harvested voltage. Results confirm the feasibility of rain-induced energy harvesting, showing potential for application in rain-prone areas and integration with existing infrastructure such as solar panels, tents, or canopies.