Wind-Solar Harvester Control Using Piezoelectric Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current micro-power wind-solar hybrid energy harvesting devices face challenges in effectively coordinating the movable characteristic of wind power generation and the static characteristic of solar power generation, leading to suboptimal power generation efficiency and reliability, especially under cloudy or rainy conditions where solar power generation fails.
Innovation Solution
A micro-power wind-solar hybrid energy harvesting and power generating device that employs a piezoelectric element to switch between energy collection and vibration suppression modes, using a wind-induced vibration structure and solar power generation module, with a control module to manage the piezoelectric element's role, ensuring continuous power output by leveraging both wind and solar energy sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a classical rotary cutting magnetic induction line is used for wind power generation, then power generation capability is improved, but structure reliability deteriorates due to unbalanced rotation and bearing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the classical rotary mechanical cutting system with a vortex-induced vibration-based electromagnetic induction system. The bluff body structure generates vortex-induced vibrations that drive the electromagnetic generator without requiring balanced rotation or bearing support, thereby eliminating the reliability issues associated with rotary mechanical systems while maintaining power generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes vortex-induced vibration of a bluff body structure as the driving mechanism for power generation. The oscillating motion generated by vortex shedding replaces the rotary motion of traditional systems, enabling the electromagnetic generator to produce electricity through vibrational movement rather than rotation, thus avoiding bearing damage and structural failure.
2Reliability
If wind power generation module is added to solar power generation module in hybrid device, then power generation reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to coordinating movable and static characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the wind power generation module and solar power generation module into a single integrated hybrid device with shared structural components. The bluff body structure serves both as the wind vibration exciter and as the mounting platform for solar panels, while the electromagnetic generator and control circuitry are integrated into a unified system, reducing overall device complexity despite the dual energy source functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality where the bluff body structure simultaneously serves as the wind energy harvesting element (generating vibration for power generation) and as the structural platform for mounting solar panels. The electromagnetic generator and control system handle both wind-induced vibration energy conversion and coordination with solar power output, creating a universal power management system that reduces overall device complexity.
3Productivity
If piezoelectric element is used for energy collection, then power generation efficiency is improved, but vibration suppression capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic switching control of the piezoelectric element's electrical connection state. The control circuit dynamically adjusts whether the piezoelectric element is electrically connected or disconnected based on real-time system needs: connected when energy collection is prioritized, disconnected when vibration suppression is required. This dynamic adaptability allows the same piezoelectric element to serve both functions effectively without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameter (connection state) of the piezoelectric element to switch between its two functional modes. By controlling the electrical connection parameter—either connected to the electromagnetic generator for energy collection or disconnected for vibration suppression—the system optimizes the piezoelectric element's performance for the current operational requirement, achieving both high power generation efficiency and effective vibration suppression capability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device effectively maximizes power generation quality and efficiency by ensuring continuous electric power output, improving the stability and survivability of the system, and reducing design complexities in energy storage and interface control circuits.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element to switch between energy collection and vibration suppression modes
Implementation Method 2
solar power generation module
Implementation Method 3
wind-induced vibration structure
Data Source
AI summary
A micro-power wind-solar hybrid energy harvesting and power generating device including a solar power generation module, a wind power generation module, a control module, an energy storage module, and an accessory structure are provided. The solar power generation module is mainly composed of a solar thin film cell and a corresponding interface control circuit, and the wind power generation module includes a wind-induced vibration structure, a cantilever beam structure, a piezoelectric element, and a corresponding interface control circuit. The solar thin film cell is mounted at a top of the wind-induced vibration structure, and interface control circuits, the energy storage module, etc. are all arranged inside the wind-induced vibration structure. The control module is configured to handle an energy harvesting and power generating algorithm of the wind-solar hybrid power generating device to maximize the power generation quality and the power generation efficiency of the device.