Basic principles of piezo transducer efficiency evaluation method

Abstract

Piezoelectric elements are one of the sources of alternative energy, the production of which does not require the use of fossil fuels harmful to the environment and the planet's climate. In this regard, the expansion of the scope of piezoelectric elements happens more and more intensively every year. The designs of piezoelectric elements that are capable of generating electricity as a result of external mechanical influences are in high demand. This demand is due to the ability to operate the most important navigation devices, smartphones, and low-voltage chargers from the received electricity in the absence of external sources of the latter or its high cost when generated by other methods. Due to the fact that piezoelectric elements have a number of specific properties due to their crystal structure, shape, size, and electrical characteristics, it is necessary to develop the selection criteria of these devices, guided by the most rational approach based on economic feasibility, market availability, and optimal manufacturability. Currently, a wide range of models of piezoelectric elements is presented that can meet the need of any customer on the Russian market despite numerous economic sanctions. Selection of the most efficient model is a major challenge for companies that use piezoelectric elements as separate components in the composition of series-produced electronic devices. There is no methodology for selecting such products; however, they can be in great demand due to multifold offers from suppliers. The method that is suggested allows the simulation of a piezoelectric element under settings that are similar to actual operating conditions, the analysis of their impact on the displacement of the piezoelectric element’s end, which is its primary characteristic under the conditions of the considered scheme, as well as the evaluation of properties and the development of recommendations for use based on the variation of its main dimensions (length, thickness), as well as the applied voltage included in the developed model, and analysis of their influence to the displacement of the end of the piezoelectric element, which is the main characteristic of the piezoelectric element under the conditions of the considered scheme. Based on the results of modeling the piezoelectric element, the most acceptable models are selected.