Lap Hei Lam ’21

Major

Electrical Engineering

Project Title

Helmholtz Resonators as a Small, Lightweight and Versatile Wind-Energy Harvesting Device

I worked on a novel device to harvest wind energy, specifically the optimization of a circuit connected to a piezoelectric disk coupled with a Helmholtz resonator. When air blows over a hole in the top of the device, it causes the Helmholtz resonator to vibrate, which can be converted to electricity through the piezoelectric disk and circuit. I ran experiments to better understand the piezoelectric disk and the Helmholtz resonator, reviewed research pertaining to similar experiments, and helped build circuits based on that research. Through this experience, I became familiar with the scientific literature on this topic and I developed a better understanding of circuits, as well as an appreciation for their amazing capabilities. Due to this exposure, I am more curious in the role that circuits play in other technology, such as signal processing and semiconductors. I intend to learn more about other fields within electrical engineering and the critical role circuits play in tying them together.



Internship Year

2019

Project Category

New Energy Future

Organization(s)

Smits Fluid Mechanics Lab, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University - Princeton, New Jersey

Mentor(s)

Alexander Smits, Eugene Higgins Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Emeritus; Tyler Van Buren, Lab Manager, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering