Abstract Piezoelectric energy harvesters (PEHs) represent a compelling alternative to batteries for powering low-power IoT electronics, particularly in maintenance-constrained applications. However, the inherently cross-disciplinary scope of the research in this field has impeded the development of a unified multi-physics model that accounts for external excitation, mechanical-to-electrical energy conversion, nonlinear interface circuit behavior, energy management, and system-level power dynamics. This study introduces a system-level simulation framework to overcome the challenge. Using a plucking-mode PEH as an example, we first established its dynamic model and converted it into an equivalent circuit. We then analyzed the energy charging–release cycle and dynamic response characteristics of the harvester. The equivalent circuit model was further used to demonstrate the superior energy transfer efficiency of the self-powered synchronous electronic charge extraction (SP-SECE) circuit. In addition, the circuit simulation incorporated an energy management module and a wireless IoT node to emulate realistic system operation. This integrated approach bridges the gap between theoretical modeling and practical application evaluation. Finally, experimental tests validated the capability of the plucking-mode PEH to enable self-powered sensing. The methods and findings presented in this work contribute a critical understanding toward improving energy harvesting efficiency and reliability, supporting the development of practical and scalable self-powered IoT systems.
Tang et al. (Mon,) studied this question.