Energy Harvesting from Vibration on Aircraft Structures using Piezoelectric Materials

Energy Harvesting is the process of harnessing electricity from unconventional sources such as sunlight, wind, tides and natural elements from the surroundings such as vibrations, which are perennially available, thus a continuous supply of energy with nil adverse impact on the environment. An aircraft structure is subjected to vibrations due to the engine, flexing of various surfaces under aerodynamic loads, gusts, turbulence and manoeuvers in air. These vibrations are present throughout the aircraft mission from the point of start-up right up to cut off. It has been found feasible to utilize such vibrations and convert it to electrical energy. Ongoing research on piezoelectric materials and their output as well as their application on aircraft has shown the feasibility of such concepts. With the advent of modern piezoelectric materials, it is possible that energy from vibrations can have a major contribution on power and weight savings on an aircraft. Piezoelectric energy harvesting is the process of converting energy from mechanical vibrations/distortion of dimensions to electrical energy. This concept can be applied to aircraft structures to power On-board payload and systems thus relieving certain amount of load from the primary sources of power, i.e. the power plant or battery. This would result in increments in efficiency and performance. The present work demonstrates the aspects of a Remote Controlled (RC) aircraft design and fabrication and development of a Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting system that is integrated on to the aircraft to power LED lights. In addition, the novel concept of energy harvesting with the help of piezoelectric materials has been introduced and practically demonstrated.