Design of Energy Capturing Medium Using Piezoelectric Effect S.Krishna, S.Vignesh
Uploaded by
hkaruvathilTopics covered
- renewable energy,
- voltage sensitivity,
- structural analysis,
- energy generation systems,
- energy scavenging,
- energy calculations,
- safety limits,
- crowded areas,
- sponge-like particles,
- electromechanical systems
Design of Energy Capturing Medium Using Piezoelectric Effect S.Krishna, S.Vignesh
Uploaded by
hkaruvathilTopics covered
- renewable energy,
- voltage sensitivity,
- structural analysis,
- energy generation systems,
- energy scavenging,
- energy calculations,
- safety limits,
- crowded areas,
- sponge-like particles,
- electromechanical systems
Common questions
Powered by AIThe piezoelectric floor system for crowded areas works by capturing the pressure exerted by human footsteps to generate electricity. Structurally, the system consists of a layered floor setup where the top layer is made of hard elastic tiles for vibration transmission, the middle layer is a sponge-like material allowing vibrations in one direction, and the base layer protects the piezoelectric crystals from damage due to heavy loads . This setup allows for energy harvesting as people walk across the floor, compressing it vertically up to 10mm .
The design of the piezoelectric floor system enhances energy harvesting by incorporating layers that effectively capture and transmit pressure-induced vibrations to the piezoelectric crystals. The top layer is elastic for vibration transmission, while the middle layer is designed to direct vibrations towards the crystals . This system allows efficient conversion of mechanical energy from crowd movement into electricity. The implications for urban energy solutions are significant, as this technology can contribute to sustainable energy infrastructure by reducing reliance on conventional power sources, particularly in high-traffic areas like railway stations and airports. It offers a scalable, clean energy solution that can be integrated into existing urban landscapes without occupying additional space .
Piezoelectric energy harvesting systems can significantly impact environmental sustainability by reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with conventional energy sources like fossil fuels. By converting mechanical energy from natural or human activities into electricity, these systems provide a clean energy alternative that lowers pollution levels . Integration of such systems into urban infrastructure can help cities reduce their carbon footprint while also promoting energy efficiency. Additionally, the materials used in piezoelectric systems can be designed to have long lifespans, reducing waste and resource consumption associated with energy production . This contributes to overall resource conservation and the promotion of renewable energy technologies .
'Crowd Farming' can be applied in real-world settings by strategically installing piezoelectric systems in areas with high foot traffic, such as malls, train stations, and stadiums. Designing flexible and modular flooring systems allows for integration into existing infrastructure without major modifications . Data analytics can be used to identify peak foot traffic times and optimize energy collection by adjusting the system's storage and conversion rates to coincide with this high activity . Moreover, real-time monitoring systems can track energy output and system health, facilitating maintenance and ensuring efficiency. This approach not only optimizes energy capture but also provides valuable insights into urban mobility patterns .
Different types of arrangements for piezoelectric crystals include the cantilever type, cymbal type, stack type, and shell type. The cantilever type has a simple structure but is only suitable for low vibration harvesting . The cymbal type can produce a large output, making it ideal for micro harvesting . The stack type can be used for large loads and is suited for large-scale harvesting . Lastly, the shell type is more efficient than the cantilever type but is limited to use under torsional loads . Each type has specific applications based on the environmental conditions and energy requirements.
Piezoelectric materials offer a non-conventional approach to generating electricity, which can reduce environmental pollution compared to conventional sources like coal and fossil fuels . These materials can be integrated into urban public spaces through systems like the piezoelectric flooring system, which is installed in crowded areas to harness pressure from footsteps to generate energy. This 'Crowd Farming' technique can provide a clean energy solution by transforming ambient mechanical energy from human movement into electrical energy . Moreover, the energy harvested can be used to recharge mobile devices or support sensor networks in smart cities .
Lead acid batteries are beneficial for this system due to their exceptional durability, low cost, long life, and minimal maintenance requirements with high ampere and watt-hour efficiency . These attributes make them suitable for storing electricity generated from piezoelectric materials. The energy conversion involves the piezoelectric effect where mechanical stress is converted into electrical energy, stored in the battery, and then converted from DC to usable AC using an inverter . This setup allows the energy to be used for various applications, such as charging electronic devices or powering small systems. The inverter's ability to adjust voltage and frequency further enhances its usability across different devices .
Designing piezoelectric systems for public infrastructure faces challenges such as ensuring structural durability, optimizing energy conversion efficiency, and managing the system's cost-effectiveness. One challenge is the need for durability under constant mechanical stress, which can lead to material wear and tear. This can be addressed by using high-quality, wear-resistant piezoelectric materials and reinforcing structural layers . Another challenge is maximizing energy conversion efficiency, which can be improved by optimizing the arrangement and materials of piezoelectric crystals to capture maximum foot-traffic energy . Additionally, managing costs involves balancing system complexity with production and maintenance costs, achievable through strategic material choices and scalable system designs tailored to specific conditions .
Peukert's Law describes the relationship between the discharge rate and the capacity of a battery. It indicates that as the discharge rate increases, the available capacity decreases. In the context of piezoelectric energy harvesting systems, the law is used to calculate the discharge time of a battery. For instance, using a 12V lead acid battery with specifications derived from Peukert's formula, the time consumed by various electrical loads is determined, affecting how long the energy stored can be used depending on the applied load . In practical terms, this understanding helps in optimizing the battery for different usage scenarios, ensuring the energy harvested from piezoelectric systems is utilized efficiently .
In theoretical scenarios, the energy output of a piezoelectric crystal is calculated based on parameters like voltage sensitivity, crystal thickness, and pressure exerted . For instance, a theoretical calculation might yield 1.245 V with specific parameters . However, practical scenarios often yield lower outputs due to inefficiencies, such as energy losses during voltage drops and varying load conditions . Factors influencing this difference include material imperfections, non-ideal environmental conditions, and conversion inefficiencies. While theoretically, the efficiency is based on ideal parameters, real-world applications face variables that lower efficiency, such as inconsistent pressure from human steps and mechanical wear .
