Energy Harvesting Performance of a Novel Nonlinear Quad-Stable Piezoelectric Energy Harvester with Only One External Magnet

Nonlinear multi-stable piezoelectric energy harvesters show broadband frequency spectra and excellent harvesting performance, owing to their high output power related inter-well transitions. However, existing quad-stable contain too many structural parameters, which makes the systems clumsy, increases difficulties of dynamic analysis optimization. Herein, a nonlinear harvester, with only one external magnet, is proposed based on magnetic force characteristics between ring magnet rectangular magnet. Under selected as spacing increases, stability characteristic harvester changes from quad-stability bi-stability, then mono-stability. The transformation results in variation rate vertical force. Subsequently, under filtered Gaussian white noise within range 0–120 Hz, performance simulated by classic fourth-order Runge-Kutta method. Simulation that parameters better than bi-stable independent whether excitation acceleration small or large. This result potential well parameters. More specifically, depths are almost same, but distance two outer wells larger Finally, fabricated prototype used measure experimental harvester. data estimated share same trend. study provides new conception technical method for design, optimization, application harvesters.