Abstract
A novel piezoelectric generator based on soft piezoelectric film consisting of a polyimide (PI) sheet and lead zirconate titanate (PZT) is proposed to generate electric energy under the operating conditions of low-frequency and small-amplitude vibration. The theoretical model and working principle of the piezoelectric generator are discussed in detail. Using ANSYS software, a finite element analysis of the static and modal characteristics of the piezoelectric generator is carried out. Further, the output of the prepared piezoelectric generator is investigated by a home-made experimental platform. Results show that the transient excitation voltage of the generator increases with the increase in load resistance, and the continuous excitation voltage increases first and then remains almost stable. The maximum continuous power produced by the piezoelectric generator is about 4.82 mW. Furthermore, the continuous excitation voltage and power are in accordance with the simulation values when the load resistances are 20 kΩ and 25 kΩ, respectively.