Optimal Design of Piezoelectric Materials for Maximal Energy Harvesting

The military’s dependence on fossil fuels for electric power production in isolated settings is both logistically and monetarily expensive. Currently, the Department of Defense is actively seeking alternative methods to produce electricity, thus decreasing dependence on fossil fuels and increasing combat power. We believe piezoelectric generators have the ability to contribute to military applications of alternative electrical power generation in isolated and austere conditions. In this paper, we use three and six variable mathematical models to analyze piezoelectric generator power generation capabilities. Using mk factorial sampling, nearly orthogonal and balanced Latin hypercube (NOBLH) design, and NOBLH iterative methods, we find optimal solutions to maximize piezoelectric generator power output. We further analyze our optimal results using robustness analysis techniques to determine the sensitivity of our models to variable precision. With our results, we provide analysts and engineers the optimal designs involving material parameters in the piezoelectric generator, as well as the generator’s environment, in order to maximize electric output.