Comprehensive Piezoelectric Material Application Issues on Energy Harvesting for Artificial Intelligence Systems

Abstract

Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are integrated into various modem devices and systems to make our living more convenience and comfortable. The initial of a fully functional AI system is integrated with computer, sensor network, actuator (robotic), and electrical power for the hardware components. For many situations, city power sources might not available. Therefore, a reliable, renewable and sustainable, local power generators-based self-powered AI system is desired. Piezoelectric energy harvesting (PEH) technology, which use piezoelectric material-based device to harvest vibration/motion mechanical energy to electrical energy has the highest possibility to make self-powered AI system since 1) vibration/motion mechanical energy is unique that not weather dependent, 2) PEH can harvest either tiny or massive vibration/motion mechanical energy into electrical energy. The piezoelectric materials are materials that generate electrical charges when a mechanical stress or force is exerted on them, on the other hand, they deformation when an electric voltage is applied on it. The implementation of piezoelectric materials-based energy harvesters are effective devices that promises future engineering systems that are more intelligent, reliable and environment friendly. However, designing a piezoelectric device is complicated and require comprehensive understating of many engineering disciplines including mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, materials sciences, and device physics. This paper offers a comprehensive discussion on the major piezoelectric materials and devices classifications as well as the state-of-the-art designs. In addition, the performance of various PEH devices are also summarized.