Progress of Study on Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting Technology and Its Applications in Helicopters

In order to improve aircraft transport efficiencies, reduce fuel consumption, utilize secondary energies or external energies, three research directions have been determined by the aviation industry in recent years. Energy harvesting technology is one of them. Energy harvesting is the process by which kinetic energy, solar and so on can be converted to usable electric energy. The ultimate objective is to develop self-powered sensors, actuators, or power other small electronic devices. The vibration caused by the engine and rotor blade is a common energy source for helicopters. It may be converted by piezoelectric effect. An advantage of the piezoelectric energy harvesting (PEH) technology is that it can harvest energies in a larger frequency band. The application is simple. Many researchers have utilized the piezoelectric effect to develop vibration energy harvesting devices. The material selection, energy harvesting and storing system, as well as applications of piezoelectric energy harvesting technology in helicopters is introduced. A prospect of the development for its application in aviation in the future is made.