Advanced Energy Harvesting Vibration Absorbers Using Inertial Amplifiers

Abstract

Conventional dynamic vibration absorbers (DVAs) face challenges in achieving optimal vibration suppression and efficient energy harvesting due to design limitations and the absence of exact closed-form analytical solutions. To address this, an inertial amplifier energy harvesting dynamic vibration absorber (IAEHDVA) is introduced in this paper. Using inertial amplifiers and piezoelectric stacks, it combines vibration-mitigation and energy harvesting capabilities. Advanced H2 and H∞ optimization methods are employed to derive closed-form analytical solutions for optimal tuning and damping ratios. The results demonstrate that the IAEHDVA outperforms conventional and inerter-based absorbers, achieving up to 64.23% greater vibration suppression and 98.85% higher energy harvesting efficiency. This novel absorber provides a sustainable and optimized solution for vibration control and energy harvesting. The IAEHDVA demonstrates considerable potential for practical implementation across various engineering domains. Its ability to simultaneously suppress vibrations and harvest energy makes it highly suitable for infrastructure requiring sustainable solutions. For instance, in civil engineering, the IAEHDVA can enhance the resilience of buildings, bridges, skyscrapers, and offshore platforms by mitigating the effects of wind and seismic excitations, thereby extending their operational life spans. The integration of piezoelectric stacks enables the device to convert mechanical vibrations into electrical energy, creating a self-sustained system that reduces reliance on external power sources. This feature is particularly beneficial in remote or off-grid locations where energy supply can be intermittent or unavailable. Furthermore, the IAEHDVA’s compact design, facilitated by inertial amplifiers, addresses challenges related to space constraints and weight, making it an ideal choice for modern lightweight structures and renewable energy systems, such as offshore wind turbines. By improving vibration suppression and energy efficiency, the IAEHDVA supports the global transition to sustainable infrastructure and aligns with net-zero carbon emission goals.