DEVELOPMENT OF A PIEZOELECTRIC

POWER GENERATING SYSTEM

BY

OLUBO, EMMANUEL SANMI

(12/30GD079)

OMOSANYA, ABOLAJI JOSEPH

(13/30GD167)

A PROJECT PROPOSAL SUBMITTED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN, ILORIN NIGERIA

IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE AWARD OF

BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING DEGREE (B.ENG) IN MECHANICAL
ENGINEERING.

2017
 TABLE OF CONTENT

Cover page-------------------------------------------------------------------------------1

1. Introduction--------------------------------------------------------------------------3

1.1 Background-----------------------------------------------------------------------3

1.2 Statement of problem---------------------------------------------------------4

1.3 Aim and objectives------------------------------------------------------------4

1.4 Justification of the study-----------------------------------------------------5

1.5 Scope of the study-------------------------------------------------------------5

2. Literature review-------------------------------------------------------------------5

2.1 Power generation--------------------------------------------------------------6

3. Proposed methodology-----------------------------------------------------------9

3.1 Working principle--------------------------------------------------------------9

3.2 Installation of device---------------------------------------------------------13

4. Anticipated research outcomes-----------------------------------------------14

5. References---------------------------------------------------------------------------14

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 1. INTRODUCTION.

1.1 BACKGROUND OF STUDY

Man has needed and used energy at an increasing rate for his sustenance and
wellbeing ever since he came on the earth a few million years ago. Due to this, a lot of
energy resources have been exhausted and wasted [1]. There are renewed interest for
sustainable, renewable and affordable energy technologies due to the ever increasing
global demand for energy [2] and global requirement to reduce greenhouse gas
emission [3].

There are varieties of energy harvesting techniques. Among them, the mechanical
energy harvesting technique happens to be the most prominent [4]. This technique
utilises piezoelectric components where deformations p reduced by different means are
directly converted to electrical charge via piezoelectric effect. Subsequently, the
electrical energy can be regulated or stored for further use. This study recommends
piezoelectricity as an alternate energy source. The motive is to obtain a pollution-free
energy source, utilising and optimising efficiently the energy from footsteps impact.

1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT

Currently, there is a need to utilize alternative forms of energy at places like
airport terminals, railway stations, stadium, schools, shopping malls, night clubs,
religious auditoriums and motor parks across the country in order to keep costs lower.
Therefore, the use of piezoelectric devices installed in these areas will enable the
harnessing of kinetic energy from foot traffic. This energy can then be used to offset
some of the power coming from the main grid.
Cleaner and more sustainable forms of electrical power are needed to maintain
positive and productive relationships with industries and other related areas, so as to
ensure a healthier environment for future generations [5].
Such source of power can as well be used to operate street light across the road
and other minor electronic gadgets like phones and torch light. This will help to
decrease energy consumption and environmental impact even further.

1.3 AIM AND OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to develop, a piezoelectric power generating system
using footsteps impact.
The specific objectives to achieve this aim are to:
i. Design a piezoelectric power generating system.
ii. Fabricate a cost effective piezoelectric power generating system.
iii. Test the piezoelectric power generating system, and
iv. Determine the power output of the piezoelectric transducer.

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1.4 JUSTIFICATION OF THE STUDY
The use of piezoelectric power generating system is absolutely one of the easiest
ways of generating power and an alternative for major power sources. It is as well
useful for a wide range of small powered electronic gadgets. Piezoelectric systems have
a lasting service maintenance characteristic, which enables the operator to implement a
reliable and effective operation [6].
The law of conservation of energy states that “Energy can neither be created nor
destroyed, but can be transformed from one form to the other” [7]. The principle of
operation of piezoelectric system is the conversion of mechanical energy from the feet
of innocent passersby (as a result of their weight) to electrical energy which could be
stored in batteries. The voltage stored inside the battery can then be used as desired.
In terms of cost, the piezoelectric system has no or minimal running cost unlike
other forms of energy generation systems. Using piezoelectric power generating system
in remote or rural and urban areas will go a long way in helping man to reduce high
demand of fuel, increase daily incomes and as well, help the economic situation in the
country.

1.5 SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The scope of the project therefore is to produce a device which serves as an
alternative to main power supply or as well serve as a means of producing power to
both rural and urban settlers. The scope includes:
 Power generation;
o the fabrication of the footstep arrangement,
o construction of the circuit for harnessing the produced energy,
 Power Utilization;
o Storing of the generated energy in batteries,
o Construction of a simple circuit (rated 100W) for converting Direct current
from the batteries to Alternating current
It must be noted that for the purpose of this report, emphasis will be made on the
power generation section.

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 2. LITERATURE REVIEW

The piezoelectric effect was first discovered by Curie in 1880 [8]. As a word
described by itself, piezo means pressure, while electric refers to electricity. That is,
when crystals are pressurized, an electric field is generated. Curie found that voltage
can be generated when the crystals are pressed; this is called the piezoelectric effect [8,
9]. These electric fields were quite small and not very useful until the LiTiBa ceramic
was found. After the introduction of the LiTiBa ceramic, the piezoelectricity
performance was increased and widely used as an electric device. One of the most
common areas is resonators.
Piezoelectric material works both ways. The electric power can be used to
generate force or deflection and also, deflection or force can generate electric power.
With a usual piezoelectric ceramic, the deflection with an electrical energy input is
almost invisible to the naked eye [10]. To increase the deflection, a stacked device, or
bender device, is used. In the sensor application, conventional diaphragm designs or
sometimes spring mass damper designs are used. They are only used to measure the
voltage generation.
Until recently, the piezoelectric generator (PEG) was not popular as a power
generator because of its small power generation. Modern electrical devices are getting
smaller and require smaller amounts of electrical energy.
Before too long, people will be wearing computers like hats, and these wearable
computers will not require much power.
With current technology, the power requirement for low power microprocessors
is only about 1mW [10, 11], and is possible with PEGs. Unfortunately, design problems
still remain.

Fig2
.1: Power requirement scale for electronics gadget.

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 Humans themselves are also involved with energy converters. We convert food to
energy for body requirements such as breathing and walking. Theoretically, humans can
generate sufficient electrical power with ordinary movements. With effective means of
utilizing energy harvesting devices, people will not need batteries to operate portable
electrical devices. This will be a tremendous help for those patients who require an
operation just to replace a battery. For example, walking can generate 5.0-8.3 W, while
breathing creates 0.2W of power [12].
One of the earliest practical applications of piezoelectric materials was the
development of the first SONAR system in 1917 by Langevin who used quartz to
transmit and receive ultrasonic waves [8, 13].Piezoelectric crystal such as quartz
exhibits electromechanical resonance characteristics that are very stable with time and
temperature and highly selective (having high Q factors). Piezoelectric crystals are one
of many small scale energy sources. Whenever piezoelectric crystals are mechanically
deformed or subject to vibration, these generate a small voltage, which is commonly
known as piezoelectricity.

2.1 POWER GENERATION

Power generation is the act of collecting electrons at a useful electric potential.
Free electrons, which can be collected, are found everywhere inside of conductive
material. There are an almost infinite number of free electrons in even small sizes of
conductive material. In common power generation, power is not actually generated, but
converted to electrical energy from other energy forms.
The following are major energy conversion methods that are currently being
used.

i. THERMAL TO ELECTRICAL

Fig2.2: Two dissimilar conductors forming electrical junctions at differing

temperatures

Thermocouple effects were first found to convert the heat difference between two
conjunctions of two different materials to electrical energy [14]. This effect was
discovered by T.J. Seebeck (1770-1881) [14, 15] and is called the Seebeck effect or the
thermocouple effect. The opposite is true and was discovered by J. Peltie (1785-1845)
[14, 16]. These thermocouples are currently built with P type and N type silicon to
make either a cooling device or an energy harvesting device such as a power source of a

6
pacemaker using nuclear battery. One other famous heat converter is the Alkali Metal
Thermal to Electric Converter (AMTEC) [14, 17].
AMTECs were recently developed by J.T. Kummer and N. Weber in 1968. It
performance is comparable to the thermocouple (TE) or thermo photo voltaic (TPV).
Currently, much research has been done to replace old thermocouple applications where
large heat energies are available. Most commonly mentioned applications are large
power required remote missions such as those in space programs and remote military
installation with radioisotope as a heat source. This AMTEC technology has already
been adopted by US space program, and some are already operational. AMTEC is also
replacing solar cell applications such as solar cell powered satellites and solar cell
power stations.
AMTECs are very good for generating energy from a heat source, but it requires
large amounts of heat and complex mechanisms. From researchers, the AMTEC heat
source requirement is around 900oC.

ii. PHOTON TO ELECTRIC

Photovoltaic cells (PV) are commonly known as solar cells. When the photon hits
the PV, electrons move to a high potential and create energy. PVs are well developed
and are widely used in applications from wristwatches to power stations. PVs can also
be fabricated in small sizes, but require an open window for a photon source. There is
another type, TPV, which is a combination with a TE. Those photovoltaic cells and
thermocouples are used to convert both photo and heat source to electrical energy. The
efficiency is higher compared to the photovoltaic or the thermo voltaic cell. Even those
TPV cell’s efficiency is higher than its predecessors, it requires a higher operating
temperature. Usual operation temperatures range from1000OC-1300OC [18] and mostly
used for the space applications.

iii. CHEMICAL TO ELECTRICAL

The most common electrical energy sources for current daily life are batteries.
Chemical reactions create electrons, and some batteries are able to store these electrons.
Other than batteries, another source is the fuel cell. Fuel cells convert fuel (e.g. H 2) and
O2gas to electrical energy and water. Mechanisms are complex, yet great for large
power generation. Fuel cells have only recently been applied to industries to generate
energy, and require more research.

IV. MECHANICAL TO ELECTRICAL

The most common power generation is a turbine type electromagnetic generator.
Almost all current power stations have this facility. Nuclear, coal, gas, and hydraulic
power station convert heat energy to a turbine rotating dynamic energy. This energy is
then converted to electrical energy. Magneto electrical devices can be used in MEMS
technology using micro-turbine; but require a complex design and also requires fuel
[18, 19].
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 Other than magneto electrical energy conversion, there is a theoretical magneto
hydrodynamic power generator (MHD) and a piezoelectric generator (PEG). MHDs
were invented by M. Faraday [18, 20]. It is not useful as a portable power source
because of its very high temperature requirement (2000K). Meanwhile, PEGs have not
been considered until recently because of their low power generation capabilities.
Usually, piezoelectric ceramics are used for active devices (e.g. diaphragm)or signal
devices (sensor, resonator). Among the previous energy conversion techniques, PV, TE,
and PZT are good for the portable wearable devices, which do not require large
amounts of power [18, 21].
PVs and TEs have been studied for large applications and are currently being
used. Solar panels are a well-known PV, and are used for small hand calculators to huge
powers station. TE applications are not used often because of the operational
temperature requirements. A currently researched TE application is the hand held
personal scheduler (PAM). As we know, PZT devices are not complex. All that is
needed is the electrode on the PZT and a mechanical energy source. For this reason, it is
very good for the micro or Nano scale devices.
PVs and TEs can be a good power source for wearable computers, but the PEG
is more attractive for the embedded devices such as MEMS. Even though PEGs are a
sufficient energy harvesting device, there are still problems that exist. These problems
are design and performance oriented.
Both piezoelectric ceramics and magneto electrical devices can convert kinetic
energy to electrical energy, but PEGs have more advantages as long as power
requirements are met. Initially, PEGs do not have a complex system as a turbine does.
Secondly PEGs can be packaged in a closed form. Finally, no fuel or no rotating shafts
are required to convert energy.

PIEZOELECTRIC POWER GENERATION SYSTEM COMPONENTS

Inverter
An inverter is an electrical power device that converts direct current (DC) to
alternating current (AC). The input voltage, output voltage, and frequency are
dependent on the design and choice of components. Static inverters do not use moving
parts in the conversion process. Some applications for inverters include converting
high-voltage direct current electric Utility line power to AC, and deriving AC from DC
power sources such as batteries.

Battery
Batteries sometimes referred to as “cells” consist of electrochemical cells with
external connections provided to power electrical devices such as flashlights,
smartphones, and electric cars. In batteries, energy is stored in chemical form and
transformed into electrical energy when needed. Primary (single-use) batteries are used
once and discarded while Secondary (rechargeable) batteries can be discharged and
8
recharged multiple times using mains power from a wall socket. Batteries come in
many shapes and sizes, from miniature cells used to power wristwatches to huge battery
banks (the size of rooms) that provide standby or emergency power for telephone
exchanges and computer data centers.

Rectifier
A rectifier is an electrical device which converts alternating current (AC), which
periodically reverses direction, to direct current (DC), which flows in only one
direction. The process is known as rectification. Physically, rectifiers take a number of
forms, including vacuum tube diodes, mercury-arc valves, copper and selenium oxide
rectifiers, semiconductor diodes, silicon-controlled rectifiers and other silicon-based
semiconductor switches. Historically, even synchronous electromechanical switches
and motors have been used. Early radio receivers called crystal radios, used a "cat's
whisker" of fine wire pressing on a crystal of galena (lead sulfide) to serve as a point-
contact rectifier or "crystal detector".
Because of the alternating nature of the input AC sine wave, the process of
rectification alone produces a DC current which, although unidirectional, consists of
pulses of current. Many applications of rectifiers, such as power supplies for radio,
television and computer equipment, require a steady constant DC current (as would by
produced by a battery).
For the purpose of this project, a bridge rectifier circuit with four diodes is used.
In this application, the output of the rectifier is smoothed by an electronic filter to
produce a steady current which is used to charge the battery.

3. METHODOLOGY

Utilization of waste energy of foot power with human locomotion is very much
relevant and important for highly populated countries like Nigeria and China where the
roads, railway stations, bus stands, temples, clubs, schools and religious auditorium etc.
are all over crowded and millions of people move around the clock. This whole
human/bio energy being wasted, if can be made possible for utilization, it will be great
invention and crowd energy farms will be very useful energy sources in crowded
countries. The electrical energy generated at such farms will be useful for nearby
applications.
A sensor is a device that measures a physical quantity and converts it into a
signal which can be read by an observer or by an instrument. A thermocouple converts
temperature to an output voltage which can be read by a voltmeter. For accuracy, most
sensors are calibrated against known standards.

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 3.1 WORKING PRINCIPLE
A piezoelectric sensor is a device that uses the piezoelectric effect to measure
pressure, acceleration, strain or force by converting them to an electrical signal [22].
Piezoelectric materials exhibit the unique property known as the piezoelectric effect.
When these materials are subjected to a compressive or tensile stress, an electric field is
generated across the material, creating a voltage gradient and a subsequent current flow.
This effect stems from the asymmetric nature of their unit cell when a stress is applied.
The unit cell contains a small positively charges particle in the center. When a stress is
applied this particle becomes shifted in one direction which creates a charge
distribution, and subsequent electric field. These materials come in several different
forms. The most common is crystals, but they are also found as plastics and ceramics.

Fig 3.1 Piezoelectric detailed diagram.

Fig3.2: A piezoelectric crystal

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 Fig3.3: Pictorial explanation on piezoelectric effect.

Table3.1 DETAILED EXPLANATION OF COMPONENTS

NAME OF THE PIECES DESCRIPTION

COMPONENT
PIEZOELECTRIC SENSORS 20 50mm Dia.
BATTERY 1 12V 15000mAh RECHARGABLE LEAD-
ACID
LCD(16x2) 2 NIL
RESISTORS 5 1kΩ(variable) & 390Ω
DIODE 4 NIL
ELECTRICAL CABLE 2 3G0.75mm2 (Length=2m)
BULB 1 15W AC (Energy savings)
LAMP HOLDER 1 Screw type
WOODEN BOARD 2 40cm2
SWITCH 1 1way 1gang
INVERTER 1 Simple 100W circuit

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Fig3.4: BLOCK DIAGRAM OF FOOTSTEPS POWER GENERATION

3.2 INSTALLATION
The installation of the piezo devices requires that flooring be removed. This
process can be done as old, worn flooring is replaced or in certain high traffic areas as
an experiment for determining feasibility in airport terminals, a similar option to the
implementation in the Tokyo train stations. The piezo devices, due to their small thin
shape, could be placed underneath floor tiles or carpet with few complications. The
power could then be routed directly to specific electrical devices such as lights or
billboards or it could be sent to the main power grid at an airport in order to supplement
the main power supply. There are many installation options and applications of these
devices; the specific type of installation will depend upon the intended use of the piezo
devices within the terminals.

Below is the circuit diagram for the electrical components.

Fig 3.5 : Circuit diagram for piezoelectric power generating system.

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 4. ANTICIPATED RESEARCH OUTCOMES

Electricity is produced due to pressing of the piezo material enough to make the
L.E.D. glow. Based on the results gathered in this investigation, the final project design
shall fulfill the engineering goal of generating electricity sufficient to power common
electrical devices such as mobile phones.
Power generation is simply walking on the fabricated plate, embedded with piezo
materials. Power is also generated by running or exercising on the plate. No need of fuel
input
.This is a Non-conventional system. Battery is used to store the generated power.
This is applicable only for the particular place. Initial cost of this arrangement is high.
Care should be taken for batteries. Foot step power generation can be used for
agricultural, home applications, street-lighting. Piezoelectric power generating system
can be used in emergency power failure situations, urban and rural areas. Etc.
This can be used for many applications in rural areas where power availability is
less or totally absent as India is a developing country where energy management is a big
challenge for huge population. By this project we can drive both A.C. as well as D.C.
loads according to the force we applied on the piezo electric sensor.

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