Piezoelectric photovoltaic micropower generator and method

摘要

An energy harvesting device capable of harvesting multiple forms of energy. The device includes a base, a piezoelectric cantilever, and a carbon nanotube film. The piezoelectric cantilever includes a piezoelectric layer disposed between a top electrode and a bottom electrode. A proximate end of the piezoelectric cantilever is supported by the base. The base does not support a distal end of the piezoelectric cantilever. The piezoelectric cantilever is capable of converting vibration energy into electrical power. The carbon nanotube film is capable of absorbing electromagnetic radiation and thermal radiation, and thereafter transmitting heat to the piezoelectric layer. The piezoelectric layer is mechanically deformed in response to said heating, thereby generating electrical power.

主权项

1. An energy harvesting device capable of harvesting multiple forms of energy comprising:
a base; a piezoelectric cantilever operatively associated with said base, said piezoelectric cantilever comprising: a piezoelectric layer disposed between and operatively associated with a first electrode and a second electrode, said first electrode operatively associated with said base, said piezoelectric layer comprising a piezoelectric material; a carbon nanotube film directly connected to said second electrode of said piezoelectric cantilever; wherein said energy harvesting device generates electrical energy when exposed to light, when exposed to thermal radiation, and when exposed to vibration energy; and wherein said piezoelectric cantilever with said carbon nanotube film self-reciprocates when exposed to light and thermal radiation.