Modeling and analysis of a multi-cantilever beam frequency up-converted energy harvester for powering animal wearable devices

Abstract

This paper presents development of a frequency up conversion piezoelectric energy harvesting system that takes cattle movement vibrations and convert it into electrical energy. The harvested power can be used to power some devices relating to cattle precision farming operations. The design should get excitation from cattle motion frequency in the range of 5-8 Hz and upconverts it to a much high resonant frequency of 47.2-76.05 Hz. A Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is modeled and studied using COMSOL Multiphysics. The model is expected to generate power sufficient enough to operate devices like pedometers which consume on average 1.8 V.