3D Simulation of an Acceleration Sensor with Self-sufficient Energy Supply

A piezo buzzer is usually used as a signaler, but it can also be used to convert mechanical into electrical energy. In this work we investigate the conventional concept of energy harvesting by stimulating the buzzer with an acceleration. Finally, the piezo buzzer should operate as an acceleration sensor, where the harvested energy should power a small microprocessor, so that the complete sensor needs no external energy sources [1]. To be able to measure accelerations in any possible direction its design has to be optimized. In this paper a qualitative analysis according to the buzzer design requirements is shown using a COMSOL Multiphysics simulation setup. The numerical results are presented and discussed with respect to experimental results from measurements with the prototypes.