Multi-physical Model of a Rainfall Energy Harvester - Sensitivity Analysis

The kinetic energy of raindrops is a renewable source of energy that can be scavenged by piezoelectric harvesters. Experimental tests have shown that a water layer covering the surface hit by the raindrops strongly enhances the energy transfer from the rain to the harvester. A mathematical model able to explain this phenomenon has been recently developed. This paper focuses on the ability of the model to cope with variations in the characteristics of the raindrop impact. Comparisons with experimental results are made.