Performance study of an energy harvester with multiple piezoelectric disks in parallel connection for water pressure pulsation

Water hydraulic pump is a crucial component of the water hydraulic system, and it generates periodic pressure pulsation due to its inherent characteristics. To harvest the vibration energy from the pressure pulsation, an energy harvester with multiple piezoelectric disks in parallel connection is proposed. Two prototypes are fabricated to analyze the effect of the number of piezoelectric disks on the energy harvesting characteristics under different pressures and resistances. Parameter matching is also carried out to obtain high root mean square (RMS) voltage and average power. For both prototypes, the cyclical change of deformation is caused by the pressure pulsation, leading to transient variation of voltage. Moderate thickness of piezoelectric ceramic and small thickness of copper substrate are advantageous for generating higher electrical energy output. Pressure pulsation significantly affects the harvested voltage and power, with the main influencing factor being the pulsation amplitude rather than static pressure. Additionally, transient voltage and RMS voltage increase with increasing resistance, while average power first rises and then falls. Comparing the two prototypes, both voltage and optimal resistance decrease when the number of piezoelectric disks in parallel connection increases. The average power and power density with two piezoelectric disks can reach 447 μW and 4.56 mW cm⁻³ under 3 MPa and at a resistance of 20 KΩ. This research provides guidance for the design, optimization and application of piezoelectric energy harvesters in water hydraulic system.