Abstract

This paper presents the design, microfabrication, modeling and characterization of a piezoelectric energy harvester (PEH) system with a wide operating bandwidth introduced by mechanical stoppers. The wideband frequency responses of the PEH system with stoppers on one side and two sides are investigated thoroughly. The experimental results show that the operating bandwidth is broadened to 18 Hz (30–48 Hz) and the corresponding optimal power ranges from 34 to 100 nW at the base acceleration of 0.6g and under top- and bottom-stopper distances of 0.75 mm and 1.1 mm, respectively. By adjusting the mechanical stopper distance, the output power and frequency bandwidth can be optimized accordingly.