DESIGN OF PIEZOELECTRIC HARVESTOR USING FOOTWEAR

ABSTRACT:

Researchers are consistently trying to find alternative ways to utilize clean energy wasted in
environment in form of these resources. This paper demonstrates the method of harvesting energy
from human walk. Generated electric energy can be used to power mobile phones, emergency
flashlights, it can also be used to track any soldier's location in remote areas etc. When pressure is
applied on piezoelectric discs, AC voltage is produced which is then converted for desired output.
After receiving desired outcomes, this energy source can become a direct current (DC) power
supply with a support from power management circuits. This energy can be stored in any external
power storage. Our design will demonstrate the feasibility of harvesting electrical energy from
piezoelectric to low power wearable devices.

Keywords: Embedded system, piezo electric sensor, Microcontroller,12v Battery.

 DESIGN OF PIEZOELECTRIC HARVESTOR USING FOOTWEAR

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
LED - light emitting diode
LCD - liquid crystal display
RAM - random access memory
PZT - Lead Zirconate Titanate
PVDF - Polyvinylidene difluoride
GRF - Ground Reaction Forces
MC - medial calcaneus
LC - lateral calcaneus
MA - medial arch
LA - lateral arch
UART - Universal Asynchronous receiver/transmitter
TX - transmitter
RX - receiver
ADC - analog to digital converter
PWM - pulse width modulation
I2C - Inter-Integrated Circuit
SPI - Serial peripheral interface
IDE - Integrated Development Environment
FM - Frequency modulation
AM - Amplitude modulation
LCD - Liquid Crystal Display

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CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION

1.1 INTRODUCTION TO PIEZO ELECTRICITY

The use of electronic devices and equipment become our basic needs in life. A soldier needs
many of them to equip his defense equipment. To fulfill the power requirement, it requires
constant source. One way to provide continuous source to our equipment is to convert our
mechanical strain energy to electrical energy.

Piezoelectric uses crystalline structures like Quartz, Topaz, Berlinite (AlPO4), Lead
Titanate (PbTiO3) etc. They generates electric charge when the plate of its crystals are
compressed or any impact force is applied on them . There are two types of
structures available as piezoelectric generators i.e. Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT) and
Polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF). PZT is the metallic plate with lead zirconate titanate
coating on it. PZT has a crystal structure, each unit consisting of a tiny tetravalent metal
ion in a large divalent metal ion lattice. The small tetravalent metal ion in the case of PZT
is usually titanium or zirconium. Polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) is also a form of
piezoelectric material with high flexibility, excellent stability and simple handling.

PVDF installed in shoes has been used for generation of electrical energy for
powering wearable devices. In response to the pressure applied on insole of the shoe, PVDF
film spreads in one direction. Due to deformation of the layer, electrons are now
imbalance and hence positive charge is accumulated on the compressed side and negative
charge on the expanded side. Now, the strain can come from various sources. A major
example is the stress produced on the shoe sole which can be used as a strain onto the
piezoelectric generators. In order to harvest mechanical energy from walking, the
piezoelectric effect can be introduced. This electrical energy can be used for ultra-low
power consumption sighting equipment such as nightvision and laser sights.

Piezoelectric energy harvesting can also be used to directly power certain consumer
electronic equipment such as cellphones, bidirectional communicators and pagers that satisfy
the current rating. By placing piezoelectric discs on various locations under the shoe sole
and with the same body weight, different voltage level is obtained. A shoe has two
points where the pressure exerted is the maximum and they are the heel and the toe.

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1.2 FUNDAMENTALS OF PIEZOELECTRIC PROPERTIES

In 1880, Jacques and Pierre Curie discovered that certain crystals, such as quartz and
tourmaline, create electrical charges when subjected to pressure; they called this phenomenon
the “piezoelectric effect.” Later, it was discovered that piezoelectric materials could be
deformed by electrical fields. This effect is known as the “inverse piezoelectric effect” .
Piezoelectricity is defined by Berlincourt as the ability of a material to generate an internal
electric field when subjected to mechanical stress or strain, while Erturk and Inman defined it
as a form of coupling between the mechanical and electrical behaviors of ceramics and crystals
belonging to certain classes. Tension and compression generated voltages of opposite polarity,
proportional to the force applied. The basic relationships between the electrical and elastic
properties of piezoelectric materials are given by

(1)

where D and E represent the electric displacement and electric field; S and T refer to
strain and stress; d and d t are the matrices for piezoelectric charge coefficient and its
transpose; ε T is the dielectric permittivity under a constant stress T; and s E is the elastic
compliance under a constant electrical field E.
Due to the nature of human walking speed, most footwear energy harvesters work at a
frequency of around 1 Hz, which is much lower than the resonant frequency of the
piezoelectric elements of the devices, so the piezoelectric elements can be treated as parallel
plate capacitors. For a piezoelectric element with a surface area A and thickness t subjected to
a stress σ, the total electric energy U can be roughly estimated by
U = 1/2 (QV) = 1/2 (d × σ × A)(g × σ × t)
= 1/2 (d) × g × σ2 × Volume (2)
where Q and V are the electric charge and voltage on the electrodes. The charge
coefficient d and the voltage coefficient g correspond to the stress and electric field directions.
Equation (2) shows that for a high-power density of the piezoelectric element, the d × g value
should be high.

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 DESIGN OF PIEZOELECTRIC HARVESTOR USING FOOTWEAR

There are around two hundred piezoelectric materials used in different areas including single
crystal, lead-based piezoceramics, lead-free piezoceramics, and piezopolymers. summarized
the main characteristics of piezoelectric materials, as shown in Table1
Table 1. Characteristics of piezoelectric materials.

Type Description and Characteristics Existing Solutions and

Examples

• Monocrystals vertically grown on a • Zinc-Oxide (ZnO);

substrate via the Bridgeman method or • Lead Magnesium
Single- Flux method, etc.; Niobate (or PMN)-
Crystal • Outstanding piezoelectric properties and based nanostructures:
Materials are mostly used for sensors and actuators; PMN-PT.
• Depending on the growing technique,
they can have different nanostructure
forms.

• Polycrystalline materials with •Most are modified

Lead-based perovskite crystal structure; or doped PZT, such
as
Piezoceramics • High piezoelectric effect and Lead Magnesium
low dielectric loss; Niobate-PZT (PMN-
• Simple fabrication process, PZT), PZT-5A, Zinc
compatible with MEMS fabrication; Oxide-enhanced PZT
• Highly toxic due to the presence of lead. (PZT-ZnO), etc.

• Non-toxic piezoceramics; •BaTiO3;

Lead-free • Have lower transduction efficiency; • Bismuth Sodium
Piezoceramics • Competitive lead-free materials are Titanate (BNT-BKT);
perovskite crystal structured type. • Potassium Sodium
Niobate (KNN)-based
material: LS45,
KNLNTS.

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 DESIGN OF PIEZOELECTRIC HARVESTOR USING FOOTWEAR

•Electroactive Polymer (EAP); •Can be used for

• Flexible, non-toxic, and light-weight; piezo-MEMS
Piezopolymers •Smaller electromechanical coupling than fabrication;
piezoceramics; • Polyvinylidene
• Low manufacturing cost and Fluoride (PVDF)-
rapid processing; derived polymers.
• Biocompatible, biodegradable, and
low power consumption compared to
other
piezoelectric materials.

1.3 FORCE AND DYNAMIC ENERGY DISTRIBUTION ON FOOT PRINT

Human walking offers sufficiently harvestable, convertible, and continuous energy sources. In
particular, the foot motion could produce both acceleration and large force excitations due to leg swing
and heel strike. The foot structures produce mechanical work through elastic (e.g., Achilles tendon,
plantar fascia) or viscoelastic (e.g., heel pad) mechanisms, or by active muscle contractions. Research
has shown that the foot itself behaves as a spring damper that stores and returns mechanical energy,
providing considerable metabolic energy saving during human walking and running . The passive elastic
tissues inside human feet substantially play the role of spring-like structures, and other tissues dissipate
energy as dampers in mechanical systems.

Foot pressure and the large ground reaction force created during human walking are direct
kinetic energy sources that can be harvested by using piezoelectric transducers. The leg swing and
heel strike could lead to accelerated motion and inertia under the foot, which could be harvested
by using both piezoelectric and electromagnetic transducers. Both the magnitudes and durations of
the
ground reaction force (GRF), as well as accelerations under the foot, are walking speed dependent.
Therefore, it is essential to fully understand the plantar pressure, ground reaction forces, i n
acceleration during human walking, jogging, and running for the design of footwear power generators
and for the choice of energy transduction mechanism. This section examines the harvestable energy
sources under a foot in the form of foot pressure, ground reaction forces, and acceleration.

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 DESIGN OF PIEZOELECTRIC HARVESTOR USING FOOTWEAR

1.3.1 Foot Pressure

Studies on foot pressure were initially driven by the medical field to understand foot
deformities and foot illness. Foot pressure contains valuable information regarding human foot
morphology that differs by gender, age, body weight, and healthiness . The measurement of
foot pressure can be used as an indicator of diseases and abnormalities because foot pressure
varies with respect to the subject’s health status, age, and activities. With the development of
technology, extensive studies have been conducted on foot pressure on a qualitative and
quantitative basis to understand information hidden beneath the foot in interaction with the
surface in contact, for ergonomic, sports, clinical diagnosis, and human gait, and posture
evaluation. From the perspective of footwear energy harvesting, measurement of pressures at
the foot–shoe interface could provide more sophisticated information for the design of
wearable insole energy harvesters. Identifying the area of maximum pressure during walking,
jogging, and running could not only locate the optimum location of insole-type energy
harvesters but also define the design constraints and conditions. Foot pressure is usually
measured by two kinds of plantar pressure measuring systems now commercially available on
the market: pressure platforms (force plate) and in-shoe systems (insole) . Force transducer
cells of different types, such as capacitive sensors, piezoelectric elements, or strain gauges, are
embedded in force plates and insole devices to measure the pressure under the foot. Pressure
insoles generally provide reliable force and plantar pressure data, but the impact and
propulsive force measurements were significantly less in magnitude than those measured with
a force plate. To quantify the distribution of pressure, the foot is typically divided into
different regions, also referred to as a mask. Among them, the division of the foot into 10
regions, which, as shown in Figure , includes the heel, midfoot, first, second, third, fourth, and
fifth metatarsal heads, hallux, second toe, and third to fifth toes has been widely used. Figure
shows the distribution of maximum foot pressure for one step measured using shoe insoles
with 99 capacitive sensors , where the maximum pressure is located at the heel and hallux.
This research also concluded that aging affects the dynamics of foot pressure distribution
during normal walking, and elderly people show lower pressure at the calcaneus and hallux
regions compared with young people. An increase in body mass shows a positive relationship
between the peak and mean plantar pressure variables for most plantar regions. In addition to
age and body mass, footwear was also reported to contribute to the change in plantar pressure.
For example, Wiegerinck’s study on the plantar pressure of 37 athletes at a self-selected
running speed shows that the total foot peak pressure in the racing flat shoes was 446.6 ±
77.25 kPa, while it was 407.3 ± 91.7 kPa in the training shoes.

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Fig.1.1 Mask Defining Fig.1.2 Foot Distribution

Figure 1.1 The mask defining the 10 regions of the foot (the pressure from lower to higher:
blue → green → yellow → red): left foot, right foot . 1.2 foot pressure distribution: (A)
maximum pressure distribution, (B) the nine anatomical masks superimposed on the insole
(MC = medial calcaneus, LC = lateral calcaneus, MA = medial arch, LA = lateral arch, MT1 =
first metatarsal, 3 = second and third metatarsal, 4 = fourth and fifth metatarsal, H = hallux,
and T = toes).

1.3.2 Ground Reaction Forces (GRF)

The ground reaction force (GRF) is one of the most common biomechanical parameters in
gait, which includes both the magnitude and direction of loading applied to the foot during
walking. During human locomotion, the GRF from the ground provides for propulsion and
equilibrium control. The GRF is usually broken down into its three orthogonal components—
vertical, anteroposterior, and mediolateral forces, respectively, among which the vertical
component is dominant and easiest to quantify and is of most interest in energy harvesting. For
example, for a piezoelectric stack-based footwear energy harvester, the generated voltage is
proportionally correlated to the input force. This fact makes the large ground reaction force at
the heel highly desirable for piezoelectric stack-based energy harvesting. The vertical ground
reaction forces exceed horizontal forces by a factor of five or more, and the former exceed
lateral forces by greater margins [85], which makes it the main excitation source for kinetic
energy harvesting from human walking. The vertical ground reaction force was reported to
range from 1.1 to 1.3 times body weight (BW) depending upon walking speed.

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The impact force at a heel induced by heel strike during walking and running produces
substantial mechanical energy usually absorbed and damped by the heel pad and passive
tissues.
The vertical GRF shows different patterns at various walking and running speeds. The
basic pattern of the vertical GRF during human walking has been extensively studied during
the first half of the last century, Figure graphically illustrates the typical pattern of the
vertical GRF during human waking, which exhibits double peaks with an interjacent trough.
The vertical GRF initially rises quickly and then falls, forming the first impact peak Fz1,
which is about 1.6 BW at around 15-25% of the stance.The first peak vertical GRF is also
referred to `as the trust maximum force. It slowly decreases to the minimum Fz2 at the middle
of the stance, and then it increases to a second peak which is around 2.5 BW, termed the
maximum propulsive force, before decreasing prior to toe-of. The vertical ground reaction
force generally has a larger peak during the propulsive phase of the gain cycle (Fz2) than
during the impact phase (Fz1). The vertical impact peak force during short-term downhill
running is higher than the one during level running [93]. The greatest vertical GRF was
found in the range of 2.5-3.0 m/s, which was recognized as the speed transition region
between walking and running, and there were no significant increases observed at a speed over
3.5 m/s.

Fig 1.3 The typical pattern of the vertical ground reaction force below the foot

The energy generated by the vertical GRF under the foot depends on different
factors including the body weight, walking speed, and material of the sole. The numerical
simulation and experimental measurement show that the generated mechanical power at the
heel is only around 0.2 W for a male subject with a body weight of 84 kg and a walking speed
of 4.8 km/h(1.3 m/s) when wearing a piezoelectric energy harvesting boot. The resultant
mechanical-to-electrical energy conversion efficiency of the footwear piezoelectric energy
harvester is 4.7%.

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CHAPTER-2

LITERATURE SURVEY

The motivation for this technology stems from the increasing demand for portable and self-
sustaining energy sources. Piezoelectricity, the ability of certain materials to generate an
electric charge in response to mechanical stress, serves as the cornerstone of this research. The
concept involves embedding piezoelectric elements within footwear to harness the mechanical
vibrations created during walking and convert them into electrical energy.

Studies often commence with an exploration of piezoelectric materials, examining

their properties and characteristics. Researchers delve into various types of materials, assessing
their suitability for the unique demands of a footwear-integrated energy harvester. The
design and fabrication phase is crucial, determining how to incorporate piezoelectric elements
seamlessly into the sole of the shoe.

This stage considers not only the materials but also the overall structure, aiming for a
balance between efficiency, comfort, and durability. Mechanical vibrations, a natural
byproduct of human locomotion, become the focal point of the next phase. Researchers
investigate the intricacies of capturing and converting these vibrations into electrical energy.

The challenge lies in optimizing the energy conversion process to maximize efficiency
while ensuring the device remains practical for everyday use. Mathematical modeling and
simulation studies play a pivotal role, providing a virtual platform to predict performance
, optimize designs, and guide subsequent experimental work.

Experimental testing forms the empirical backbone of these studies, involving

the implementation of the designed harvester in real-world scenarios. Results from
these experiments yield valuable insights into the device's actual power output, efficiency,
and any limitations encountered during practical use. Researchers confront challenges
such as the variability in walking patterns and environmental conditions, refining their
designs based on empirical observations.

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Beyond the technical intricacies, literature on this topic often explores potential applications
and future developments. Footwear-integrated piezoelectric energy harvesters extend beyond
novelty, finding relevance in diverse sectors such as wearable technology, health monitoring,
and even military applications. Researchers contemplate scalability and adaptability,
pondering how this technology could evolve to address broader energy needs and different
industries.

A critical consideration in the literature survey is the real-world impact of this

technology. Environmental and social implications are scrutinized, comparing the
sustainability and accessibility of piezoelectric energy harvesting with other renewable energy
sources.

As the field progresses, discussions on commercialization, market trends, and

industrial perspectives underscore the potential for these innovations to transcend the realm
of research and make a tangible impact on society.

These are the impacts considered:

1. Environmental Impact and Sustainability:

• Assessment of the environmental impact and sustainability of piezoelectric energy
harvesting technologies.
• Comparison with other renewable energy sources.

2. Commercialization and Industrial Perspectives:

• Market trends and commercialization efforts.

• Challenges in transitioning from research to practical applications.

• Industrial perspectives on the feasibility and scalability of piezoelectric energy

harvesters.

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CHAPTER-3
METHODOLOGY

3.1 BLOCKDIAGRAM:

Fig 3.1 Block diagram of Piezo electricity harvestor model

3.2 WORKING PROCEDURE

A piezoelectric generator is comprised of either one or more piezoelectric elements. Let’s consider the
principle of the generator through the vehicle movement. Here, the piezoelectric materials are
assimilated internal to the asphalt layer and here the energy is generated when there is movement in the
vehicle.

When there is vehicle movement, the wheels create pressure on the asphalt layer where this generates
distortion in the piezoelectric materials. So, this deformation takes the pressure and creates electrical
energy.

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Fig 3.2 Energy flow chart of piezoelectric footwear energy harvester

Step I: Mechanical Vibrations Generation:

This is the mechanical energy capturing processing. First, the foot strike or leg swing energy is
captured into deformable shoes/frames of as elastic energy during walking or running. To
increase the energy capture capability, the mechanical impedance matching between human
foot/leg and the PEEH is the key considers for PEEH design. There is mechanical energy
dissipation due to factors such as mechanical impedance mismatch as well as mechanical
damping. The mechanical impedance of the material is defined as Z = (ρc)1/2, where ρ is the
density, and c is the elastic stiffness of the footwear/shoes.

Step II : Integration of Piezo Electric Elements :

Piezoelectric materials, which generate an electric charge in response to mechanical stress, are
strategically embedded or integrated into the sole of the footwear. Common materials include
piezoceramics or flexible piezoelectric polymers.

Step III : Strain and Stress on Piezo electric Materials:

In this step, the elastic deformation energy of the shoes or frames is transferred into the
piezoelectric elements as either stretched or compressed elastic energy of the piezoelectric
material. This step is only related to mechanical-to-mechanical transportation. It should be
noted that not all the mechanical energy is transferred from the foot to the piezoelectrical
materials.The receiving part of the mechanical energy in the piezo devices should be designed
to match the mechanical impedance of the vibration source to have a higher energy
transferring rate.

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Step IV: Electric charge Generation:

This is mechanical-electrical energy conversion processing. Once the piezoelectric material is
deformed, a surface charge with electrical potential (voltage) is generated in response to
applied mechanical stress. In this process, the elastic potential energy of the piezoelectrical
material is converted into electrical energy. The mechanical-to-electrical energy conversion
rate (efficiency) can be evaluated by the square electromechanical factor k.

Step V: Energy storage and Power Distribution/usage:

In this process, the generated electrical energy in the piezoelectric structures can be (i) directly
applied to an electrical load and (ii) stored in an energy storage unit, such as a battery or a
supercapacitor, for future use as a renewable power source. For energy storage from a
piezoelectric energy harvester, an AC/DC voltage converter (electrical rectifier) is needed to
convert the generated AC voltage to DC voltage before charging a battery or a supercapacitor.
To increase energy transport efficiency a transformer (DC/DC converter) are used.

In summary, the energy flow of piezoelectric energy harvesters is a crucial aspect of the
guideline for PFEH designs. The key issues for a PFEH design include capturing more
mechanical energy into the elastic deformation energy of shoes, increasing mechanical-to-
electrical energy efficiency by piezoelectric structure deformation orientation selection, and
increasing electrical energy transfer efficiency by electrical circuit design.

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CHAPTER - 4
HARDWARE DESCRIPTION

4.1 PEIZOELECTRIC GENERATOR

Piezoelectric ceramics, when mechanically activated with pressure or vibration, have the
capacity to generate electric voltages sufficient to spark across an electrode gap. Piezoelectric
ceramics are frequently used in this capacity to ignite a fuel source in lighters, gas stoves and
welding equipment. In addition, everything from quartz watches to computer microphones
make use of piezo components and the resulting piezoelectric effect to boost their operational
performance.

Fig 4.1 : Piezo Electric Sensor

Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting:

Single-layer and multilayer piezo generators are used in applications where batteries or direct
electrical current is not available.Recently, energy harvesting using piezoelectric energy
generation has become the focus of much research. While we are very excited about the
prospects of energy harvesting using piezoelectric ceramics, we do have concerns regarding
the use of piezoelectric ceramics in large-scale energy harvesting.Piezoelectric ceramics have
limited energy outputs, and therefore are potentially cost-prohibitive to feasibly use in any
large-scale energy harvesting application. On the other hand, use of multilayer piezo
generators in smaller electronic devices with low power requirements offers a real opportunity
for exploration.

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Generally, a piezo generator must move a specified amount of charge and supply a specified
voltage, which determines its operating point on the voltage vs. charge line. Work is
maximized when the charge moved permits one half the open circuit voltage to be developed.
This occurs when the charge equals one half the short-circuit charge.

Fig 4.2:voltage versus charge diagram for a piezoelectric generator element.

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4.3 ARDUINO UNO

The Arduino Uno is a widely used microcontroller board that forms the backbone of numerous
electronics projects and prototyping endeavors. Developed by the Arduino company, it has
become a staple in the maker and electronics communities due to its simplicity, versatility, and
open-source nature.

Fig 4.5 :Arduinouno Board

4.3.1 ARDUINO UNO BOARD

The Arduino Uno is based on the ATmega328P microcontroller, providing a balance
between performance and cost. It features digital and analog input/output pins, along with
various other components such as LEDs, a crystal oscillator, USB interface, and power jack.
The board is designed with ease of use in mind, making it accessible for beginners while
still offering capabilities for more advanced users.

4.3.2 DIGITAL AND ANALOG I/O:

The Uno has 14 digital input/output pins, of which six can be used as pulse-width
modulation (PWM) outputs. These pins allow for interfacing with various sensors, actuators
, and other electronic components. Additionally, there are six analog input pins for reading
analog signals from sensors like potentiometers or light sensors.

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Fig 4.5: Pin description of Arduino Board

Certainly! Here's a more detailed description of the pin functionalities on the Arduino Uno R3:
1. Digital Pins (0-13):
- These pins, labeled from 0 to 13, are capable of being used as digital input or output pins.
- They can be set as either HIGH (5V) or LOW (0V) states.
- Each pin can source or sink a maximum current of 20mA.
- Pins 0 and 1 are also connected to the built-in UART for serial communication (RX and
TXrespectively).
2. Analog Inputs (A0-A5):
- The Arduino Uno has 6 analog input pins labeled A0 to A5.
- These pins can read analog voltages ranging from 0V to 5V.
- They have a 10-bit ADC (Analog-to-Digital Converter), allowing for 1024 different voltage
levels to be measured.
- These pins can also be used as digital input/output pins when needed.
3. PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) Pins (3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11):
- These pins are marked with a "~" symbol and are capable of providing PWM output signals.
- Pulse Width Modulation allows for simulating analog output by varying the duty cycle of
the PWM signal.

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- The analogWrite() function in Arduino can be used to generate PWM signals on these pins.
4. Power Pins:
- 5V Pin: This pin provides a regulated 5V supply that can be used to power external
components.

- 3.3V Pin: This pin provides a regulated 3.3V supply (with lower current capacity) for
components that require 3.3V operation.

- GND Pins: These pins are the ground reference for the circuit and should be connected to
the ground of external components.
5. Reset Pin (RESET):
- The RESET pin is used to restart the microcontroller.
- It can be connected to an external button or other devices to initiate a system reset.
6. I2C Pins (A4, A5):
- These pins are dedicated to I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) communication.
- A4 is the SDA (Serial Data) pin, used for data transmission.
- A5 is the SCL (Serial Clock) pin, used for clock synchronisation.
7. SPI Pins (MISO, MOSI, SCK, SS):
- These pins are used for SPI (Serial Peripheral Interface) communication.
- MISO (Master In Slave Out) is the data input to the master device.
- MOSI (Master Out Slave In) is the data output from the master device.
- SCK (Serial Clock) synchronises the data transfer between master and slave devices.
- SS (Slave Select) is used to select a specific slave device in a multi-device SPI configuration.
8. UART Pins (RX, TX):
- These pins are used for serial communication using the UART (Universal Asynchronous
Receiver-Transmitter) protocol.
- RX (Receive) is the input pin for receiving data.
- TX (Transmit) is the output pin for transmitting data.
9. External Interrupt Pins (2, 3):
- These pins can generate external interrupt triggers to interrupt the normal program execution
of the microcontroller.
- Pin 2 is capable of generating interrupts for both rising and falling edge triggers.
- Pin 3 is capable of generating interrupts for only rising edge triggers.

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These pin functionalities provide flexibility and versatility for connecting various components
and devices to the Arduino Uno R3, making it suitable for a wide range of projects and
applications.
Communication Interfaces:
The board includes a USB connection for serial communication with a computer, facilitating
programming and data exchange. It also has a UART for serial communication, SPI (Serial
Peripheral Interface), and I2C (Inter-Integrated Circuit) interfaces, making it compatible with a
wide range of sensors, displays, and communication modules.
Programming:
Programming the Arduino Uno is straightforward, thanks to the Arduino Integrated
Development Environment (IDE). The IDE simplifies code development with a user-friendly
interface and a vast library of pre-written functions. Users write programs in C/C++ and
upload them to the Uno via USB.
Shields:
One of the strengths of the Arduino ecosystem is the availability of expansion shields.Shields
are add-on boards that fit onto the Arduino Uno and provide additional functionality.
Examplesinclude motor control shields, Wi-Fi shields, and LCD display shields. This modular
approach allows users to extend the capabilities of the Uno without complex wiring.
Power Supply:
The Arduino Uno can be powered through the USB connection or an external power supply. It
operates at 5V, and its power requirements make it compatible with a variety of power
sources, including batteries. The onboard voltage regulator ensures stable operation within
specified voltage.
Open Source Community:
The Arduino Uno is part of the larger Arduino ecosystem, which is entirely open source. This
means that the hardware schematics and the software (IDE and libraries) are available for
anyone to study, modify, and share. The open nature of Arduino has fostered a vibrant
community of users who contribute to the platform's growth and share their projects and
knowledge.

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Applications:
Arduino Uno comes with a wide range of applications. A larger number of people are using Arduino
boards for developing sensors and instruments that are used in scientific research. Following are some main
applications of the board.

 Embedded System

 Security and Defense System

 Digital Electronics and Robotics

 Parking Lot Counter

 Weighing Machines

 Traffic Light Count Down Timer

 Medical Instrument

 Emergency Light for Railways

 Home Automation

 Industrial Automation

There are a lot of other microcontrollers available in the market that are more powerful and cheap as
compared to Arduino board. So, why you prefer Arduino Uno?

Actually, Arduino comes with a big community that is developing and sharing the knowledge with a
wide range of audience. Quick support is available pertaining to technical aspects of any electronic project.
When you decide Arduino board over other controllers, you don’t need to arrange extra peripherals and
devices as most of the functions are readily available on the board that makes your project economical in

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nature and free from a lot of technical expertise.

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4.4 LCD(16x2)

LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) is the innovation utilized in scratch pad shows and other littler
PCs. Like innovation for light-producing diode (LED) and gas-plasma, LCD's permit presentations to
be a lot more slender than innovation for cathode beam tube (CRT). LCD's expend considerably less
power than LED shows and gas shows since they work as opposed to emanating it on the guideline of
blocking light.
A LCD is either made with a un involved lattice or a showcase network for dynamic
framework show. Likewise alluded to as a meager film transistor (TFT) show is the dynamic
framework LCD. The un involved LCD lattice has a matrix of conductors at every crossing point of
the network with pixels. Two conductors on the lattice send a current to control the light for any pixel.
A functioning framework has a transistor situated at every pixel crossing point, requiring less current
to control the luminance of a pixel.
Some aloof network LCD's have double filtering, which implies they examine the matrix twice
with current in the meantime as the first innovation took one sweep. Dynamic lattice, be that as it may,
is as yet a higher innovation.
A 16x2 LCD show is an essential module that is generally utilized in various gadgets and
circuits. These modules more than seven sections and other multifragment LED's are liked. The
reasons being: LCD's are affordable; effectively programmable; have no restriction of showing
exceptional and even custom characters (not at all like in seven fragments), movements, etc.

A 16x2 LCD implies 16 characters can be shown per line and 2 such lines exist. Each character
is shown in a lattice of 5x7 pixels in this LCD. There are two registers in this LCD, in particular
Command and Data. The directions given to the LCD are put away by the order register. An order is a
direction given to LCD to play out a predefined assignment, for example, introducing it, clearing its
screen, setting the situation of the cursor, controlling presentation, and so forth. The information
register will store the information that will be shown on the LCD. The information is the character's
ASCII incentive to show on the LCD.

Data/Signals/Execution of LCD

Now that was all about the signals and the hardware. Let us come to data, signals and execution. Two
Once the E pin has been pulsed, the LCD display reads and executes data at the falling edge of the

It takes 39-43μS for the LCD display to place a character or execute a command. It takes 1.53ms to

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1.64ms except for clearing display and searching for cursor to the home position.

Any attempt to send data before this interval may result in failure in some devices to read data or
execute the current data. Some devices compensate for the speed by storing some temporary registers
with incoming data.

There are two RAMs for LCD displays, namely DDRAM and CGRAM. DDRAM registers the
position in which the character would be displayed in the ASCII chart. Each DDRAM byte represents
every single position on the display of the LCD.

The DDRAM information is read by the LCD controller and displayed on the LCD screen. CGRAM
enables users to define their personalized characters. Address space is reserved for users for the first 16
ASCII characters.

Users can easily display their custom characters on the LCD screen after CGRAM has been set up to
display characters.

Images of LCD Display:-

LCD – Front View

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LCD – Back View

These are commonly used in the screen industries to replace the utilization of CRTs.
Cathode Ray Tubes use huge power when compared with LCD's, and CRTs heavier as
well as bigger. These devices are thinner as well power consumption is extremely less.
The LCD 16×2 working principle is, it blocks the light rather than dissipate.
The (16×2) LCD pin out is shown below.
• Pin1 (Ground/Source Pin): This is a GND pin of display, used to connect the GND
terminal of the micro controller unit or power source.

• Pin2 (VCC/Source Pin): This is the voltage supply pin of the display, used to connect
the supply pin of the power source.

• Pin3 (V0/VEE/Control Pin): This pin regulates the difference of the display.

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Pin4 (Register Select/Control Pin): This pin toggles among command or data register,
used to connect a micro controller unit pin and obtains either 0 or 1(0 = data mode, and
1 = command mode).
Pin5 (Read/Write/Control Pin): This pin toggles the display among the read or writes
operation, and it is connected to a micro controller unit pin to get either 0 or 1 (0 =
Write Operation, and 1 = Read Operation).

• Pin 6 (Enable/Control Pin): This pin should be held high to execute Read/Write
process, and it is connected to the micro controller unit & constantly held high.

• Pins 7-14 (Data Pins): These pins are used to send data to the display. These pins are
connected in two-wire modes like 4-wire mode and 8-wire mode. In 4-wire mode, only
four pins are connected to the micro controller unit like 0 to 3, whereas in 8-wire mode,
8-pins are connected to micro controller unit like 0 to 7.

• Pin15 (+ve pin of the LED): This pin is connected to +5V

• Pin 16 (-ve pin of the LED): This pin is connected to GND.

Fig 4.7: LCD-16×2-pin-diagram

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Interfacing LCD with Arduino: we now interface this (16x2) LCD with Arduino using
Arduino IDE environment and is programmed as required in the display. The program for
LCD display is given below:

#include <LiquidCrystal_I2C.h>
LiquidCrystal_I2C lcd(0x27, 16,2);
int voltageRead;
float voltage_check;

void setup() {
lcd.begin();
lcd.backlight();
Serial.begin(9600);

lcd.print(" FOOT STEP ");

lcd.setCursor(0,1);
lcd.print("POWER GENERATION");
delay(3000);
lcd.clear();
} void loop()
{
lcd.setCursor(0,0);
lcd.print("VOLTAGE: ");

voltageRead = analogRead(A0);
while(voltageRead > 50)
{ voltageRead = analogRead(A0);

voltage_check = ((voltageRead * 5.0)/1024);

Serial.println("Voltage: ");
Serial.println(voltage_check);
lcd.setCursor(0,1);
lcd.print(voltage_check);
lcd.setCursor(5,1);
lcd.print("Volts");
// lcd.clear(); }

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Pin Description:
Pin
Function Name
No
1 Ground (0V) Ground
2 Supply voltage; 5V (4.7V – 5.3V) Vcc
3 Contrast adjustment; through a variable resistor VEE
4 Selects command register when low; and data register when high Register Select
5 Low to write to the register; High to read from the register Read/write
6 Sends data to data pins when a high to low pulse is given Enable
7 DB0
8 DB1
9 DB2
10 DB3
8-bit data pins
11 DB4
12 DB5
13 DB6
14 DB7
15 Backlight VCC (5V) Led+
16 Backlight Ground (0V) Led-

LCD Commands:

There are some preset commands in the LCD that we need to send to the LCD via some
microcontroller. The following are some important command instructions:

Sr. No. Hex Code Command to LCD instruction Register

1 01 Clear display screen

2 02 Return home

3 04 Decrement cursor (shift cursor to left)

4 06 Increment cursor (shift cursor to right)

5 05 Shift display right

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6 07 Shift display left

7 08 Display off, cursor off

8 0A Display off, cursor on

9 0C Display on, cursor off

10 0E Display on, cursor blinking

11 0F Display on, cursor blinking

12 10 Shift cursor position to left

13 14 Shift cursor position to right

14 18 Shift the entire display to the left

15 1C Shift the entire display to the right

16 80 Force cursor to beginning ( 1st line)

17 C0 Force cursor to beginning ( 2nd line)

18 38 2 lines and 5×7 matrix

Command codes for LCD

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Block Diagram of LCD Display:

Control and display commands

Instructio Instruction Code Instruction Code Executio

n R R/ DB DB DB DB DB DB DB DB Description n time
S W 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 0

Read Data 1 1 D7 D6 D5 D4 D3 D2 D1 D0 Read data from 1.53-

From internal RAM 1.64ms
RAM
Write data 1 0 D7 D6 D5 D4 D3 D2 D1 D0 Write data into 1.53-
to RAM internal RAM 1.64ms
(DDRAM/CGRAM
)
Busy flag 0 1 BF AC AC AC AC AC AC AC Busy flag (BF: 1→ 39 µs
& Address 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 LCD Busy) and
contents of address
counter in bits
AC6-AC0.
Set 0 0 1 AC AC AC AC AC AC AC Set DDRAM 39 µs
DDRAM 6 5 4 3 2 1 0 address in address
Address counter.
Set 0 0 0 1 AC AC AC AC AC AC Set CGRAM 39 µs

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CGRAM 5 4 3 2 1 0 Address in address
Address counter.
Function 0 0 0 0 1 DL N F X X Set interface data 39 µs
Set length (DL:
4bit/8bit), Numbers
of display line (N:
1-line/2-line)
display font type
(F:0→ 5×8 dots,
F:1→ 5×11 dots)
Cursor or 0 0 0 0 0 1 S/C R/L X X Set cursor moving 39 µs
Display and display shift
Shift control bit, and the
direction without
changing DDRAM
data
Display & 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 D C B Set 39 µs
Cursor Display(D),Cursor(
On/Off C) and cursor
blink(b) on/off
control
Entry 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 I/D SH Assign cursor 0µs
Mode Set moving direction
and enable shift
entire display.
Return 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 X Set DDRAM 43µs
Home Address to “00H”
from AC and return
cursor to its
original position if
shifted.
Clear 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 Write “20H” to 43µs
Display DDRAM and set
DDRAM Address
to “00H” from AC

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4.5 12V Battery

Fig 4.8 12V Battery

Batteries come in different shapes, sizes and differ in their uses. The 12V battery is one of such
common batteries. However, what do you know about the 12-volt battery and what is its use? A 12
volt battery is a kind of battery that is often used for various electrical gadgets and appliances. The 12 volt
battery is distinct and different in its use, as it comes in different shapes and sizes.In some instances,
they might be large and heavy or small and light.They may be cylindrical or square
batteries.Furthermore, they are also used for transportation purposes in vehicles, boats and other
gadgets. 12 volt battery sizes are often influenced by their uses and the amount of amp-hour they are
built to produce. Therefore, a 12 V battery implies that a voltage of 12V is supplied within the nominal
load by a battery.

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Voltage Sensor :
The ability of a piezoelectric material to convert a mechanical stress into electrical charge is called a
Piezoelectric Effect. The word Piezoelectric derived from the Greek word ‘piezein’ which means to
push, press and squeeze. Piezoelectric effect is reversible effect means when we applied mechanical
stress to the piezoelectric material we get some electrical charge at output. Same as when we feed
electrical charge to the sensor it gets stretch or compresses.

This sensor is used to monitor, calculate and determine the voltage supply. This sensor can determine
the AC or DC voltage level. The input of this sensor can be the voltage whereas the output is the
switches, analog voltage signal, a current signal, an audible signal, etc. Some sensors provide sine
wave forms or pulse wave forms like output & others can generate outputs like AM (Amplitude
Modulation), PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) or FM (Frequency Modulation). The measurement of
these sensors can depend on the voltage divider.
This sensor includes input and output. The input side mainly includes two pins namely positive and
negative pins. The two pins of the device can be connected to the positive & negative pins of the
sensor. The device positive & negative pins can be connected to the positive & negative pins of the
sensor. The output of this sensor mainly includes supply voltage (Vcc), ground (GND), analog o/p
data.

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Charge controller:

A solar charge controller is fundamentally a voltage or current controller to charge the battery and
keep electric cells from overcharging. It directs the voltage and current hailing from the solar panels setting
off to the electric cell. Generally, 12V boards/panels put out in the ballpark of 16 to 20V, so if there is
no regulation the electric cells will damage from overcharging. Generally, electric storage devices
require around 14 to 14.5V to get completely charged. The solar charge controllers are available in all
features, costs, and sizes. The range of charge controllers is from 4.5A and up to 60 to 80A.

Features of Solar Charge Controller:

 Protects the battery (12V) from overcharging
 Reduces system maintenance and increases battery lifetime
 Auto charged indication
 Reliability is high
 10amp to 40amp of charging current
 Monitors the reverse current flow

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CHAPTER - 5
SOFTWARE DESCRIPTION

5.1 ARDUINO IDE

The Arduino Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is a software application that

provides a platform for writing, compiling, and uploading code to Arduino boards. It
simplifies the process of programming Arduino microcontrollers, making it accessible to both
beginners and experienced developers. Here's an overview of the Arduino IDE interface:

Fig.5.1 Arduino IDE

The toolbar, prominently positioned at the top of the IDE, houses essential functions
crucial to the development process. The "Verify" button, represented by a checkmark icon,
initiates the compilation process, checking the code for errors and ensuring its syntactical
correctness. Following a successful verification, the "Upload" button, depicted by a right
arrow icon, facilitates the seamless transfer of the compiled code to the connected Arduino
board. These two buttons encapsulate the iterative process of coding, checking, and
uploading, integral to Arduino development.

The file management capabilities of the IDE are encapsulated in the "New," "Open,"
and "Save" icons, allowing users to create new sketches, access existing ones, and save their
work efficiently. The "Serial Monitor," represented by a magnifying glass icon, opens a
dedicated window for real-time communication between the Arduino board and the computer.

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This is invaluable for debugging and monitoring sensor outputs, enabling developer to gain
insights into the behaviour of their projects.

The code editor area, where the actual programming takes place, is complemented by a
message area that displays critical information about the compilation process. It serves as a
communication channel, conveying error messages or alerts that may arise during the code
verification and upload phases. This feature aids developers in quickly identifying and
rectifying issues in their code.
The "Library Manager" is another indispensable component of the IDE, facilitating the
incorporation of external libraries to extend the functionality of Arduino projects. This
centralized repository of libraries simplifies the process of integrating pre-written code for
various sensors, modules, and devices, saving time and effort for developers.

In the "Tools" menu, users find options for auto-formatting their code, selecting the
target Arduino board, specifying the communication port, choosing the microcontroller on the
board, and setting the programmer for code upload. These tools provide fine-grained control
over the development environment, accommodating different Arduino board configurations
and project requirements.

The "Status Bar" at the bottom of the IDE provides real-time feedback on the compilation
and upload processes, ensuring users are aware of the current state of their development tasks.
It indicates whether the Arduino board is successfully connected, streamlining the workflow
and reducing the likelihood of errors due tomisconfigurations.

The "Help" menu offers valuable resources, including the official Arduino "Getting Started"
guide and the "Reference" section, which serves as a comprehensive guide to the Arduino
programming language. Additionally, users can access information about the IDE version
through the "About Arduino IDE" option. Overall, the Arduino IDE stands as a cornerstone in
the world of embedded systems and physical computing, providing a unified and accessible
platform for individuals to bring their electronic projects to life. Its intuitive interface, coupled
with a rich set of features, empowers creators to experiment, innovate, and iterate on their
ideas, making Arduino a preferred choice for hobbyists, educators, and professionals alike.
The Arduino IDE provides a user-friendly interface that streamlines the process of
programming Arduino boards, making it accessible for hobbyists, students, and professionals.
Its simplicity and extensive documentation contribute to its popularity in the maker
community.

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5.1.1 INSTALLING ARDUINO IDE

Installing the Arduino Integrated Development Environment (IDE) is the initial and crucial
step for enthusiasts, students, and developers eager to embark on electronic projects with
Arduino microcontroller boards. The process is designed to be accessible, catering to a diverse
audience with varying levels of technical expertise.

To begin the installation journey, the user typically navigates to the official Arduino website
, where the latest version of the Arduino IDE is readily available for download. The
website itself is a trove of information, featuring guides, documentation, and a vibrant
community forum, establishing a supportive ecosystem that complements the IDE.

Once on the website, users are prompted to select the appropriate download for their
operating system—whether it's Windows, macOS, or Linux. The download process is
straightforward, and the file size is usually modest, ensuring a quick and efficient acquisition
of the IDE. This simplicity aligns with the Arduino philosophy of democratizing
electronics, making it accessible to abroad audience.

Fig.5.2 Installation of Arduino IDE

For Windows users, the installation often involves running the downloaded executable
file, guiding them through a wizard-like setup process. The installer prompts users to choose
the installation directory, allowing for customization based on individual preferences. It
's a seamless process that doesn't overwhelm beginners while still providing flexibility for
more experienced users.

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Mac users typically download a disk image file, which, when opened, reveals the Arduino IDE
application. The installation is as simple as dragging the application into the Applications
folder, reflecting the user-friendly design principles ingrained in the Arduino experience. This
straightforward approach ensures that the focus remains on exploration and creation rather
than grappling with complex installation procedures.

Linux users, depending on the distribution, might encounter different installation

methods. However, Arduino often provides a straightforward package that can be extracted
and run directly, minimizing the complexity typically associated with Linux installations.
Moreover, the official Arduino documentation offers clear instructions for various Linux
distributions, reinforcing the commitment to accessibility across diverse platforms.

Once the Arduino IDE is installed, users launch the application, unveiling a clean and
intuitive interface. The initial screen showcases a blank canvas, ready for users to start
crafting their code. For those new to programming or electronics, the IDE offers a plethora
of examples accessible through the "File" menu, providing a hands-on introduction to
coding and interfacing with hardware components. To harness the full potential of the
Arduino IDE, users often connect their Arduino board to the computer via a USB cable. The
IDE is designed to recognize and communicate with a variety of Arduino boards seamlessly.
Selecting the correct board model and communication port is facilitated through user-
friendly dropdown menus, minimizing potential sources of confusion.

The IDE's responsiveness to the connected Arduino board is immediately evident as

users experiment with sample sketches or create their own projects. The "Verify" and "
Upload" buttons, prominently displayed on the toolbar, become powerful tools in the
hands of developers. The "Verify" button checks the code for errors, providing instant
feedback, while the "Upload" button transfers the compiled code to the Arduino
board, bringing the programmed logic to life.

Furthermore, the IDE incorporates features like syntax highlighting, auto-indentation,

and a message area that displays critical information about the compilation process. These
features contribute to a comfortable coding environment, fostering a sense of confidence for
beginners and efficiency for experienced developers. In summary, installing the Arduino IDE is
not just a technical prerequisite; it marks the commencement of a journey into the world of
electronics and programming.

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The installation process, designed with user accessibility in mind, serves as a gateway to a
vibrant community, a wealth of resources, and limitless possibilities for creativity and
innovation. As users take their first steps into the Arduino ecosystem, the IDE stands as a
welcoming and empowering tool, inviting them to explore, experiment, and transform their
ideas into tangible electronic realities.

5.2 EMBEDDED C PROGRAMMING LANUGAGE

Embedded C, a variant of the C programming language, plays a pivotal role in the
development of embedded systems, where dedicated microcontrollers or microprocessors
execute specific tasks within electronic devices. This specialized form of C is tailored to the
constraints and requirements of embedded systems, emphasizing efficiency, low-level control,
and direct interaction with hardware. In exploring Embedded C, it's essential to delve into its
characteristics, applications, and the key principles that distinguish it within the broader
landscape of programming languages.

5
6
7

10
11
12

Fig.5.3 Embedded c programming language

At its core, Embedded C shares many features with standard C, which is a general-
purpose programming language known for its simplicity, modularity, and portability.
However, Embedded C diverges in its focus on meeting the stringent resource constraints
inherent in embedded systems. These systems often operate in real-time environments and
have limited processing power, memory, and storage.

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One defining characteristic of Embedded C is its close proximity to hardware. Unlike

higherlevel programming languages, Embedded C allows programmers to directly manipulate
hardware registers, control memory allocation, and optimize code for specific microcontroller
architectures. This level of control is crucial for embedded systems, where efficiency and
precise control over hardware resources are paramount.

The programming model in Embedded C revolves around the concept of interrupts, crucial
for managing real-time events in embedded systems. Interrupt service routines (ISRs) are
snippets of code that execute in response to specific events, allowing embedded systems to
respond promptly to external stimuli. This event-driven paradigm is fundamental for
applications like automotive control systems, medical devices, and industrial automation.

Memory management is another critical aspect of Embedded C programming.

Embedded systems often have limited RAM and ROM, necessitating careful consideration
of memory usage. Developers must optimize data structures, minimize global variables,
and employ techniques like static memory allocation to ensure efficient utilization of
resources
.

Bit manipulation is a common practice in Embedded C due to its prevalence in

embedded systems programming. This involves directly manipulating individual bits in a
register, a technique vital for tasks such as configuring microcontroller peripherals, setting
flags, and interacting with input/output ports. Concurrency and synchronization
mechanisms in Embedded C are crucial for multitasking and real-time applications.
Real-time operating systems (RTOS) often accompany embedded systems, and Embedded C
programmers must be adept at managing tasks, semaphores, and communication between
different components of the system.

The use of pointers in Embedded C is prevalent, allowing for efficient manipulation

of memory addresses. Pointers enable direct access to hardware and facilitate the
creation of memoryefficient algorithms. However, they also demand a thorough understanding
of memory management to prevent issues like memory leaks or segmentation faults.

Embedded C finds applications across a vast array of industries. In the automotive sector,
it is employed in engine control units (ECUs) to manage fuel injection, ignition timing, and
other critical functions. In medical devices, Embedded C is integral to the development of
devices such as pacemakers and insulin pumps, where real-time responsiveness is paramount.

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Additionally, Embedded C is prevalent in consumer electronics, industrial automation,

aerospace systems, and IoT devices, showcasing its versatility in addressing diverse embedded
system requirements. Cross-compilation is a common practice in Embedded C development.
The code is typically written on a development machine and then compiled for the target
architecture, often a microcontroller with specific characteristics.
This allows for efficient development and testing, crucial when dealing with resource-
constrained environments.

The debugging process in Embedded C can be challenging due to the limited capabilities
of debugging tools on embedded systems. Emulators and simulators are often used to
replicate the target environment, aiding in the identification and resolution of issues.
Additionally, printfstyle debugging, where messages are sent to a serial port for observation,
is a common practice in embedded development.

In conclusion, Embedded C stands as a specialized and indispensable tool in the

realm of embedded systems programming. Its emphasis on efficiency, low-level control,
and direct interaction with hardware positions it as the language of choice for developers
working on applications where resource constraints and real-time responsiveness are
paramount. As the demand for embedded systems continues to grow across various industries
, the importance of Embedded C in shaping the backbone of these technologies remains
unwavering. Mastery of Embedded C opens doors to a world where software and
hardware intricately converge, allowing developers to engineer solutions that power the
devices shaping our interconnected, technologically driven world.

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CHAPTER-6

RESULT

The idea of energy harvesting from piezoelectric is a good source of clean and green
renewable energy. In this work, we have illustrated the design of piezoelectric energy
harvester from the human walk and then use it to power up wearable electronic devices. Real
time results have been recorded while walking with our piezo generator. The voltage output
level of piezoelectric discs is proportional to the strain on it.

The piezo elements are excellent for dynamic or transient motion and force sensing.
They require on power input since they generate their own power. In fact this is why they are
now considered useful as energy harvesting and scavenging devices. They are small
enough that they will not materially affect the vibrational characteristics of most structures.

FIG 6.1Protype representation of piezo FIG 6.2 Real time representation of

piezo

However, we could not achieve an abundant output power level to charge any device
like a mobile phone because our harvester can only provide output current as much as 2 milli
-amps (mA) and as much as 10 mW output power. But still there is room for improvement,
we can enhance the output power by using more piezoelectric discs in the shoe.
Whereas, we successfully harvested enough output to use for powering sighting systems
such as nightvision, laser sights and sensors like GPS receiver.

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6.1 APPLICATIONS & ADVANTAGES

APPLICATIONS

• Foot step generated power can be used for home applications, street-lighting.
• Foot power generation can be used in emergency power failure.
• For Military Missions: Footwear power generators provide an alternative source of
energy for soldiers to power their electronic devices and charge their batteries. This can
be
achieved merely by war fighters movement during the mission

• Implemented in gyms and workplaces where vibrations are generated in the machines
in gyms. And in workplaces, piezoelectric materials that areplaced in the crystal are a
supporter to conserve energy.
• Night safety : So, the LED can continuously flash when the workers or police officers
walk. This can strongly enhance the safety of these people during the night, without extra
cost to the battery or the recharging electric energy.

• Employed in people motorized dance clubs and in-floor mats

• Power Generation Side-Walk(Tokyo Metro Station)
• Mobile, airpods, keypads for charging.

ADVANTAGES

• Sustainable Power Source

• Portable Energy Generation
• Harvesting Energy from Every day activities.
• Integration with wearable devices
• Small size and Versatile.
• Reduced Dependency or External Power Supplies.
• Low Environmental Impact.
• Extended Battery Life for Devices
• Simple Power Generation

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6.2 CONCLUSION & FUTURE SCOPE

CONCLUSION:

As a conclusion, The idea of energy harvesting from piezoelectric is a good source of clean
and green renewable energy. In this work, we have illustrated the design of piezoelectric
energy harvester from the human walk and then use it to power up wearable electronic
devices. Real time results have been recorded while walking with our piezo generator. The
voltage output level of piezoelectric discs is proportional to the strain on it. We have generated
around 15 volts and converted it into an optimal power source i.e. used buck regulator to
create steady 5 volts and boost up current level. However, we could not achieve an abundant
output power level to charge any device like a mobile phone because our harvester can only
provide output current as much as 2 milli-amps (mA) and as much as 10 mW output power.
But still there is room for improvement, we can enhance the output power by using more
piezoelectric discs in the shoe. Whereas, we successfully harvested enough output to use for
powering sighting systems such as nightvision, laser sights and sensors like GPS receiver.

FUTURE SCOPE:

• Integration of the technology into public infrastructure, such as smart sidewalks or pedestrian
walkways, to harvest energy from the footsteps of pedestrians, contributing to the power needs
of smart city initiatives.

• Exploration of the feasibility of using piezoelectric energy harvesters to power electronic

components in prosthetic limbs, enhancing the sustainability and reducing the need for
frequent battery replacements.

• Utilization of piezoelectric footwear harvesters as part of the Internet of Things ecosystem,

enabling seamless connectivity and energy autonomy for IoT devices embedded in clothing,
smart homes, and industrial applications.

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 DESIGN OF PIEZOELECTRIC HARVESTOR USING FOOTWEAR

REFERENCES

[1] Utkarsh Mehrotra" Walking Charger Using Piezo-Electric Material." International Journal
For Technological Research In Engineering (2016).

[2] Tanvi Dikshit, Dhawal Shrivastava, Abhijeet Gorey, Ashish Gupta, Parag Parandkar,
Sumant Katiyal “Energy Harvesting via Piezoelectricity.” 4th National Conference;
INDIACom (2010).

[3] Mohammad Saffri Mazalan, Roslina Mohamad, Murizah Kassim, Shahrani Shahbudin "
Journal on Power Harvesting Shoe using Piezoelectric Shoe For External Power Storage."
Indonesian Journal of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (2018).

[4] ECE Tutorials. Buck Converter: Principle and applications. [Online]. Available from:
ecetutorials.com/electrical/buck-converter-principleof-operation-applications/ [Accessed 14th
September 2019].

[5] Sultan Singh, Vijay Kumar Gupta, Sujoy Mukherjee " Piezo-Electric Based Energy
Harvester Embedded in Shoe For Wearable Electronics" Materials Physics and Mechanics 37
(2018).”
[6] Mary Josephine Hessert, Mitul Vyas, Jason Leach, Kun Hu, Lewis A Lipsitz, Vera Novak
“Article on Foot Pressure Distribution during Walking in Young and Old Adults” BioMed
Central (2005).

[7] Nathan S. Shenck, Joseph A, Paradiso “Energy Scavenging with ShoeMounted

Piezoelectrics. ” IEEE (2001).

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 DESIGN OF PIEZOELECTRIC HARVESTOR USING FOOTWEAR

Appendix :
#include <LiquidCrystal.h>

#define rs 2

#define en 3

#define d4 4

#define d5 5

#define d6 6

#define d7 7

LiquidCrystal lcd(rs,en,d4,d5,d6,d7);

int data= A0;

float factor = 4.050;

float voltage=5.00;

float Vin,Vout;

void setup()

Serial.begin(9600);

pinMode(data,INPUT);

lcd.begin(16,2);

lcd.clear();

lcd.setCursor(0,0);

lcd.print("Projects Name");

lcd.setCursor(0,1);

lcd.print(" project name");

delay(1000);

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 DESIGN OF PIEZOELECTRIC HARVESTOR USING FOOTWEAR
void loop() {

float sensor_voltage = analogRead(data);

Vout=(sensor_voltage/1024)*voltage;

Vin= Vout*factor;

Serial.print("voltage:");

Serial.print(Vin);

lcd.clear();

lcd.setCursor(0,0);

lcd.print("Voltage:");

lcd.print(Vin);

delay(1000);

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