Performance of Galloping Piezoelectric Energy Harvesters With Square Bluff Body

In this paper, we investigate a galloping piezoelectric energy harvester (GPEH) with a square bluff body. Comprehensive wind tunnel tests are conducted and experimental data are used to validate our analytical approximate solutions, which are derived from a coupled aero-electro-mechanical model. In addition, the effects of impact disturbances using a bump are investigated. The goal is to improve the performance of baseline GPEH. We expect to collect physical insight to design an optimal nonlinear GPEH configuration by placing bumps accordingly. Lessons learnt from this study will be used to improve the performance of future nonlinear GPEHs and lead to a practical device.