Patent ID: 9531303
Filing Date: 2016-12-27
CPC Classification: H01L,H02N

Claim Text:
1. A flow energy harvesting device configured to be integrated with a fluid flow path of a primary pipe, the flow energy harvesting device comprising a harvester pipe comprising: a flow inlet that receives flow from the primary pipe at one end and a flow outlet at a different part of the harvester pipe that returns the flow into the primary pipe; a flow diverter fitted within the harvester pipe and coupled to the flow inlet and the flow outlet, the flow diverter being configured to redirect the fluid flow from the main pipe through the harvester pipe and comprising a piezoelectric actuator comprising a cantilever beam having a free end, wherein the free end extends from the inlet section in the direction of fluid flow at least through the constriction section and the constriction point such that the fluid flow past the constriction point from the inlet section induces vibrations in the free end sufficient to cause a direct piezoelectric effect in the piezoelectric actuator and to generate electrical power.