Journal of Applied Research in Electrical Engineering

Journal of Applied Research in Electrical Engineering

Analysis of the Potential of Different Air Conditioner Brands for Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting

Document Type : Research article

Authors
Daniel Kwegyir
Francis Boafo Effah
Daniel Opoku
Peter Asigri
Yoosi Hayford
Eliezer Owusu Boateng
Kwaku Kessey-Antwi
Nana Maryam Abdul-Bassit Munagah
Kelvin Worlanyo Tamakloe
Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
10.22055/jaree.2024.45352.1089
Abstract
Piezoelectric energy harvesting from air conditioner compressors is a promising technology for generating renewable electricity. This study comprehensively compares the energy harvesting potential derived from mechanical vibrations in compressors across various air conditioner brands, harnessing piezoelectric systems. Initially, a data collection system rooted in Internet of Things (IoT) technology is employed to capture vibration signals from different branded air conditioner compressors. The acquired data undergoes pre-processing and is subsequently analyzed in MATLAB Simulink to gauge its energy harvesting potential through a piezoelectric framework. Notably, the maximum voltage harvested demonstrated strong positive correlations with both the compressor vibrational frequency (0.7892) and velocity (0.7855), emphasizing their role in determining available mechanical energy for conversion to electrical power. Furthermore, a moderate positive correlation (0.0659) was observed between the harvested voltage and the compressor's rated power, indicating its influence on energy conversion. An additional positive correlation (0.2839) between temperature and harvested voltage was attributed to the increased electrical conductivity of compressor materials at higher temperatures. Conclusively, the compressor's frequency and velocity emerged as primary determinants of the maximum voltage harnessed, with rated power having a less pronounced yet contributory effect. This research provides valuable insights for optimizing energy harvesting from air conditioner compressors, highlighting the pivotal role of operational parameters.

Highlights

  • The maximum voltage harvested showed strong positive correlations with the compressor's vibrational frequency (0.7892) and velocity (0.7855), highlighting their importance in converting mechanical energy to electrical power.
  • A moderate positive correlation (0.0659) was noted between the harvested voltage and the compressor's rated power, suggesting its impact on energy conversion.
  • An additional positive correlation (0.2839) was found between temperature and harvested voltage, due to increased electrical conductivity of compressor materials at higher temperatures.
  • The compressor's frequency and velocity were identified as primary factors in maximizing the harvested voltage, with rated power playing a less significant, but still contributory role.

Keywords
Piezoelectric energy harvesting
Air conditioners
Simscape
Subjects
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Journal of Applied Research in Electrical Engineering
Volume 3, Issue 1
Winter and Spring 2024
January 2024
Pages 40-50

  • Receive Date 22 November 2023
  • Revise Date 25 May 2024
  • Accept Date 26 May 2024