Investigation of piezoelectric transducer application for vibrational energy harvesting in milling operation

The paper provides results of a performed FEA simulation analysis of piezoelectric ring-type transducer used for vibrational energy generated during milling operation harvesting. For this purpose, a COMSOL MultiphysicsR 3D model consisting of a tool holder encompassing piezoelectric transducer was created, which was used to evaluate resonant frequencies and voltage output of the piezoelectric transducer experiencing deformations from milling tool vibrations. The harvester 3D model used for simulations uses a simplified end milling tool which is subjected to axial, torsional and radial forces mimicking milling operation and leading to appearance of respective vibrations in the tool. Implemented tool holder is designed in such a way that torsional and radial vibrations excited in the tool are partially transformed to longitudinal vibrations that excite D33 type piezoelectric transducer. Throughout the FEA simulation analysis design parameters of the ring type piezoelectric generator have been studied in order to evaluate how they affect the transducers and the tool holder assemblies vibrational modes, voltage output from piezoelectric transducer has been evaluated as well. The performed investigation provides insight into application of piezoelectric transducer for the purpose of energy harvesting from vibrations excited in the milling tool during operation.