Energy Harvesting from Ambient Vibrations Using Piezoelectric Materials: A Sustainable Solution for Powering IoT Devices

Abstract

The rapid expansion of Internet of Things (IoT) networks has intensified the demand for reliable, maintenance-free, and sustainable power sources for distributed sensor nodes. Conventional battery-powered systems face limitations in lifespan, replacement cost, and environmental impact, particularly in large-scale or remote deployments. Energy harvesting from ambient vibrations using piezoelectric materials presents a promising alternative by converting mechanical energy from environmental sources such as industrial machinery, building structures, transportation systems, and human motion into usable electrical energy.

This paper investigates the feasibility of piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting as a sustainable solution for powering low-power IoT devices. It examines the electromechanical principles underlying piezoelectric conversion, analyzes cantilever-based harvester designs optimized for low-frequency ambient vibrations, and evaluates power conditioning techniques to enhance energy extraction efficiency. Simulation-based performance assessments under representative vibration profiles demonstrate that optimized piezoelectric harvesters can generate power outputs in the microwatt-to-milliwatt range, sufficient for intermittently powering wireless sensor nodes when combined with energy storage and duty-cycled operation.