Pyroelectric power harvesting using a lead-lanthanum-zirconate-titanate (7/60/40 PLZT) pyroelectric cell

The aim of this work is to study the ability of harvesting energy using a lead-lanthanum-zirconate-titanate (7/60/40 PLZT) pyroelectric cell. For this purpose, the active element is subjected to temperature variations. The pyroelectric cell is directly connected to a load to realize a resistive cycle of energy harvesting. In this work, an analytical calculation of the electrical output power and voltage obtained for a time variation of the pyroelectric element temperature is done. The theoretical results show a dependence of the output voltage and power according to the load value, temperature amplitude and frequency of variation. Moreover a matched value of load is observed according to the frequency of variation. This matched load gives a maximum output power. The experimental study shows maximum voltage values on the load ranging form 7.25 V to 11 V for frequencies of 50 and 100 mHz, respectively. This results show an increase of voltage according to the frequency increase. The same evolution is observed for the load power, it evolves from 0.64 to 1.65 μ W according to frequency for the matched load (26.9 MΩ). This study demonstrated the feasibility of harvesting energy using a 20 mm diameter pyro-cell and that for values of load voltage compatible with a power supply level of sensors.