摘要 |
A non-linear, piezoelectric mechanical-to-electrical generator especially well adapted for use with a Stirling engine, to thus form an electrical power generation system. In one form the generator includes a flexible beam that is configured in a bowed orientation to exert a compressive stress on a piezoceramic stack. A mechanical, linearly reciprocating member is positioned against the flexible beam at a midpoint of the beam. The mechanical member applies a force to the flexible beam that initially tends to flatten the flexible beam, which increases the compressive stress applied to the piezoceramic stack, thus compressing the stack and causing it to generate an electrical output signal. When the mechanical member removes the force, the flexible beam reverts to its initial, bowed configuration. This allows the piezoceramic stack to decompress, and it generates another electrical signal. This alternating compressing and decompressing of the piezoceramic stack causes a series of electrical signals to be generated from the stack. The apparatus forms a lightweight, compact means for converting a linear, reciprocating mechanical output signal into electrical power.
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