Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This work considers optimal mechanical-electrical power conversion across rigid linkages equipped with current-controlled actuators. A novel cost function derived from a generalization of the Second Law of Thermodynamics is adopted from our previous work, where cycle-averaged energies are interpreted as generalized temperatures. A cost function based on generalized entropy generation is used to formulate an optimal control problem yielding a decoupled velocity feedback controller. Suboptimal gains are found, which are independent of both the excitation characteristics and the mechanical subsystem dynamics, and yield closed-loop stability. The effectiveness and simplicity of the resulting controller is demonstrated by a Monte Carlo simulation study, where random episodes of unknown, periodic forcing are applied under the proposed controller and compared with a maximum-efficiency controller. Results show that the proposed controller offers a higher statistical expectation for the average harvested power.
Source: Entropy
DOI: 10.3390/e28050489
Authors: Meysam Fathizadeh, Hanz Richter
Institution: Cleveland State University
Language: English
Subfield: Mechanical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,137
Funder: National Science Foundation
OpenAlex ID: W7160283989
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