Effectivity of Generating Electrical Energy Using a Wheelchair and Piezoelectric-based

Apparatus

A Science Investigatory Project in Partial Fulfillment of the requirements in Research IV

Jallorina, Carlos Antonio C. (Linnaeus 9)

Lunar, Raya Jhaile A. (Darwin 9)
Go, Angeline B. (Curie 9)
Ponferrada, Sofia Rene'e E. (Darwin 9)
Ricaforte, Jarelle Gail E. (Curie 9)
Tarnate, Kyla Lloren S. (Darwin 9)
Wong, Ma. Iya Angela B. (Linnaeus 9)

QCSHS
October 2020
I. Rationale
Energy is significant in all parts of society. Access to sufficient and solid energy assets is

crucial for financial development and keeping up the nature of our lives. The reality's energy

utilization keeps on rising, explicitly in developing nations. The worldwide interest for energy

has significantly increased in the previous 50 years and might significantly increase again in the

following 30 years. [ CITATION Riv20 \l 1033 ]. 1The National Grid. Corp. of the Philippines

(NGCP) is urging many government agencies to address an upcoming surge of power shortage in

Luzon, specifically during the summer-times. The dainty power supply was expected to extend

from April until June, even with a much-expected approaching 700-megawatt (MW) capacity

from newly established power plants. With respect to the local interest for energy utilization, a

few parts of Luzon experienced force interferences in June of 2019, hence the framework was set

on red alert which implies that there is extreme force inadequacy. With all of these in mind, there

is a huge stress upon new resources and innovations that could possibly solve the issue with

power supply. Thus, the researchers came up with a decision to utilize the benefits of using the

piezoelectricity apparatus.

2
A few advantages of piezoelectric sensors include wide recurrence transfer speed, high

affectability, high signal-to-noise ratio, basic structure, solid operation, and being lightweight.

Piezoelectric crystals can work at temperatures more than 400 C for quite a while, impact

temperatures over 4000K in a moment (10 milliseconds), withstand high surface weight

("150N/mm2"), high firmness, great linearity, little hysteresis, consistent affectability in a wide

temperature extend, wide recurrence response range, practically boundless burden cycles, and

1
Danessa Rivera, “NGCP Warns Looming of Power Shortage,” PhilStar, February 21, 2020,
https://www.philstar.com/business/2020/02/21/1994766/ngcp-warns-looming-power-shortage#:~:text=of%20the
%20Philippines%20(NGCP)%20is,capacity%20from%20new%20power%20plants.
2
Busbar Machinery, “Advantages and Disadvantages of Piezoelectric sensor and its Application”, Accessed October
8, 2020, https://www.busbarpunchingmachine.com/content/113.html
extremely high insulation impedance. However, piezoelectric and all of its products come with

major disadvantages. 3To name a few, a piezoelectric transducer can only be used for dynamic

measurements which are quantities with rapidly changing values. In consideration, a

piezoelectric device would be sensitive to high temperatures. Also, a few crystals are water-

soluble and dissolve in a high humid environment by nature. 4Piezoelectric sensors also tend to

require moisture-proof measures, adding to which that its DC output response is poor. Most

piezoelectric sensors can't be utilized for truly static estimations. The principle impact on the

piezoelectric effect is that with expanding pressure burdens and temperature, the affectability

lessens because of the twin arrangement.

5
In the scientific circles of the day, this impact was considered quite a "discovery," and

was immediately named as "piezoelectricity" to recognize it from different zones of scientific

phenomenological experience, for example, "contact electricity" (rubbing produced friction-

based static electricity) and "pyroelectricity" (power created from gems by heating).
6
Piezoelectricity (literally, "pressing electricity") is a lot less difficult than it sounds: it utilizes

gems/crystals to change over mechanical energy into electricity or the other way around. It is the

presence of an electrical potential (a voltage, in other terms) over the sides of a crystal when you

subject it to mechanical stress (by pressing it). In actual practice, the crystal turns into a sort of

minuscule battery with a positive charge on one face and a negative charge on the contrary face;

current flows if we connect the two faces to make a circuit. In the reverse piezoelectric effect, a

3
Polytechnic Hub, “Advantages, disadvantages and applications of piezoelectric transducer,” June 8, 2017,
https://www.polytechnichub.com/advantages-disadvantages-applications-piezoelectric-transducer/
4
Semiconductor For You, “What are the advantages and disadvantages of piezoelectric transducer?” July 24, 2017,
https://www.semiconductorforu.com/advantages-disadvantages-piezoelectric-transducer/
5
Chris Woodford, “Piezoelectricity,” ExplainThatStuff, November 9,2019,
https://www.explainthatstuff.com/piezoelectricity.html
6
Nanomotion, “The Piezoelectric Effect,” Accessed October 7, 2020, https://www.nanomotion.com/nanomotion-
technology/piezoelectric-effect/#:~:text=Piezoelectric%20Effect%20is%20the%20ability,is%20Greek%20for
%20%E2%80%9Cpush%E2%80%9
crystal turns out to be mechanically stressed (disfigured fit as a fiddle) when a voltage is applied

over its contrary faces. Applying piezoelectric sensors on anything that could experience

pressure and mechanical stress, one such as a Wheelchair, specifically on the wheels and on the

seta, as of to what the researchers opted to apply to at, would be suitable to make electricity

generation much easier. In this case, the device can be used for emergencies such as running out

of battery juice of our mobile phones, and basically for charging, but for this study, the

researchers aim to store as much electricity in a battery for multiple periods of time.

7
According to a published study from four students, namely, Kurian V Kurian, Sreejith

Shaji, Ramkesh TM, Roshin Rajan from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Saintgits

college of engineering, Kerala, India on their project “Piezoelectric Power Generation from

Tyres,” the researchers harvested energy from tires, also increasing the reliability up to a limit by

generating electricity while the automobile, which in our case, is a wheelchair, that is in motion.

In comparison to this study, they utilized piezoelectric patches on the rims of the wheel to

generate electricity and extracted using carbon brush. This extracted electricity is stored in the

battery for further use. As the piezoelectric sensor attached wheels started to turn and to this

study’s case, at the seat as well receiving pressure from the person sitting on it, the pressure

applied from the ground to the wheel due to mechanical force, the material starts generating

electricity, storing the electricity generated into a battery.

Due to the evident shortage of power supply the Philippines is experiencing, the

researchers conducted this study to see if the prototype would be beneficial to all those

communities that do not have access to electricity and sufficient power supply. Aside from that,

the community of senior citizens, mostly the families who have disabled and wheelchair-bound
7
Kurian Kurian et al., “Piezoelectric Power Generation from Tyres,” International Research Journal of Engineering
and Technology (IRJET) 5, no. 4 (April 2018): 3492-2495. https://www.irjet.net/archives/V5/i4/IRJET-V5I4783.pdf
individuals and the disabled themselves too, would benefit the best from this prototype. The

prototype is expected to produce enough energy from the piezoelectric sensors, which would be

stored in batteries for future use. The society could also benefit from this prototype that could

result in less demand for electricity from where the government would as well benefit from and

so the cost of demand would eventually lessen. Along with these, the environment’s health

wouldn’t be in any danger by this study as the world’s natural resources wouldn’t be at risk and

are preserved due to less usage and demand for burning fossil fuels.

This study could be seen as a contribution to open up many more possibilities on working

on what more the piezoelectric could do more, as well as to lessen its flaws and thus making it

efficient to use and replace any other harmful power-producing machines and plants. This study

would open up to modifications and further polishing of the technology itself. For people living

in remote areas where there is very minimal to no access to electricity, they could now finally

have access to it, which could help them ease up their daily tasks. Furthermore, the ability for

wireless communication could also open up as a possibility through their devices to be able to

communicate with other family members, friends, and relatives. For the future analysts who wish

to examine this research, this investigation can assist them with facilitating and improving their

own examination identified with a shortage of power supply for it can furnish them with a

foundation, premise, or reference.

II. Research Questions

1. Is it possible to generate electrical energy using wheelchair and piezoelectric-based

apparatus?
 2. How much electricity can be generated by the wheelchair and piezoelectric-based

apparatus per minute?

3. Can the distance travelled by the wheelchair affect the amount of electricity generated by

the piezoelectric-based apparatus?

III. Hypotheses

1. General Hypothesis: If the distance traveled by the wheelchair increases, then the amount

of electricity generated by the piezoelectric-based apparatus increases as well.

2. Null Hypothesis: There is no significant difference between the distance traveled by the

wheelchair and the amount of electricity generated per minute.

3. Alternative Hypothesis: There is a significant difference between the distance traveled by

the wheelchair and the amount of electricity generated per minute.

IV. Engineering Goals

 The research's fields of study are related to electrical and mechanical engineering, which

generally deals with the innovation of electricity and machines. The study aims to explore more

ways to generate electricity by using the mechanical stress from wheelchairs. It will be done by

using a piezoelectric-based apparatus attached to the wheels and the seat of a wheelchair. The

study will improve what is known in the field of electricity, specifically, the capabilities of

piezoelectric materials to generate electrical energy from mechanical energy. It will help in

solving the problems involving power shortage in the Philippines, and to provide an additional

source of energy that can be used in case of emergencies.

V. Expected Outcome

The researchers expect that the study will enhance the conventional wheelchair through

installing piezoelectric-based apparatuses, and will be successful in creating a cheaper and eco-

friendly wheelchair that will benefit wheelchair users and hospitals alike. The researchers also

look forward to providing cheaper alternative energy resources that can be of use to the poverty-

stricken rural areas of the Philippines and even in calamity-affected regions.

VI. Methodology
 Collecting Materials

Attaching of the Piezoelectric-based

Apparatus to the Wheelchair

Experimentation and Gathering of Data

Collecting Materials
 The materials that will be used to make the prototype are 40 piezoelectric-based

apparatus (15 pieces on each wheel and 10 on the seat of the wheelchair), 8 diodes, 2 capacitors,

copper wires, 3.7V rechargeable battery, and a wheelchair. The piezoelectric-based apparatus

that will be used are piezoelectric sensors. These will be bought online via Shopee with a total

cost of P516. The diodes and the capacitors will also be bought through Shopee, with a total cost

of P64. The wheelchair and the battery that will be used will be provided by one of the

researchers.

Attaching the Piezoelectric-based Apparatus to the Wheelchair

8
The piezoelectric sensors will be connected in series, long enough to cover the

circumference of the wheel of the wheelchair. This then will be connected to a capacitor. Then a

diode bridge rectifier will be made by connecting 4 diodes, twisting the metal ends of each diode

to create a square figure. The capacitor will be connected to the two ends of the bridge rectifier.

The battery charging station will then be connected to the other two ends of the bridge rectifier.

Then the piezoelectric sensors will be attached onto the rim of the wheel. This procedure will be

repeated for the second wheel and for the seat of the wheelchair.

Experimentation and Gathering of Data

8
E. Minazara, D. Vasic, F. Costa, “Piezoelectric Generator Harvesting Bike Vibrations Energy to Supply
Portable Devices,” RE&PQJ 1, no.6 (March 2008): 508-513. https://doi.org/10.24084/repqj06.344
 To know how much electricity will be generated by the piezoelectric sensors, the wheelchair

will be pushed at a constant speed in 1 minute. This will be repeated for 3 trials. Before and after

each trial, the amount of energy stored and generated in the battery will be measured using a

digital voltmeter to know how much electricity has been generated. The average of the data that

will be collected for the three trials will be recorded.

In testing to see how the distance traveled by the wheelchair affects the amount of electricity

generated by the piezoelectric sensors, the wheelchair will be used in varying distances (15m,

20m, 25m, 30m). The wheelchair will be pushed accordingly depending on the distance. Before

and after each trial, a digital voltmeter will be used to measure the amount of energy stored and

generated in the 3.7-V rechargeable battery. This will be done to determine the rate of increase of

energy that will be generated for each distance. This process will be repeated for 3 trials. The

average of the data that will be collected for the 3 trials will be recorded. The data that will be

gathered will then be placed in a table for analysis.

https://image.shutterstock.com/image-vector/empty-walk-pram-carriage-device-260nw-
1225929208.jpg

Fig.1. Model of the Prototype

PARTS:
Piezoelectric sensors
(connected by series)
Capacitor
Diode Bridge Rectifier
Battery
Copper Wire

Fig.2. Schematic Circuit Diagram

VII. Risk and Safety

One of the risks are the hazards of a piezoelectric-based apparatus lead content. Lead and

its compounds are generally toxic. The important symptoms of lead poisoning are fatigue, aches

in muscles and joints, abdominal discomfort, etc. Patients with poor dental hygiene may exhibit a

blue line at the dental margin of the gums due to deposition of lead sulfide. Lead poisoning has

long been considered as an environmental health hazard, for its adverse effects on intellectual

and neurological development. The main route of absorption in adults is the respiratory tract

where 30–70% of inhaled lead (mostly the inorganic form like oxides and salts) goes into the

circulatory system. This can cause brain damage and multiple complications in the nervous

system. Due to the toxic effects of lead and its compounds, European Union is planning to

restrict the use of hazardous substances such as lead as well as other heavy metals. However,

there is no equivalent substitute for it; therefore, its use is still continued. Many researchers are

trying to develop lead-free piezoelectric materials. Regardless of its lead content, piezoelectric-

based apparatus are used extensively for their excellent piezoelectric properties.

To avoid this risk, the researchers need to ensure that before, during, and after the

process, these safety measures will be followed: Firstly, properly prepare the materials in a safe

and open area so that the execution will have no mistakes. Avoid damp or wet areas to ensure

that the piezoelectric-based apparatus attached to the wheels and seat of the wheelchair will not

cause any electric shocks. The researchers will wear electric gloves to avoid burns from sudden

electric seizures. Next is to wear clothing that are thick and long that can cover the whole body.

Also, suitable eye protection with side shields or goggles should be worn in case of electric

sparks and masks, so that inhaling or intake of lead will be avoided during the process. After the

execution of the methodology, make sure to keep the wheelchair in a safe secluded area that no
one else can touch or move. Remove all clothing from the body and dispose or wash the garment

that has been used carefully to avoid of toxic substances.

 VIII. Data Analysis
As for the experimentation and data gathering, there will be tests to assess and conduct

the effectivity of generating electrical energy using a wheelchair and piezoelectric-based

apparatus.

Amount of Electricity (V)

Distanc
Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3
e
Average
(meters)
Amount Amount Amount Amount Amount Electricit Amount Amount Electricit
of of of of of y of of y
Electricit Electricit Electricit Electricit Electricit generated Electricit Electricit generated
y y in y y y in y y in
In battery battery generated In battery battery In battery battery
(Before) (After) (Before) (After) (Before) (After)
15
20
25
30

With the gathered data, the concept of central tendencies will be used to determine the

average amount of energy produced per minute by the generator. Central tendencies or often

called averages makes use of the equation: mean equals the summation of x divided by n. The

significance of conducting the said test is to calculate the efficiency of the generator, whether or

not it is efficient enough to reach or compete with the standards of other already-existing

generators.

IX. Bibliography
Busbar Machinery, “Advantages and Disadvantages of Piezoelectric sensor and its Application”,
Accessed October 8, 2020, https://www.busbarpunchingmachine.com/content/113.html

Chris Woodford, “Piezoelectricity,” ExplainThatStuff, November 9,2019,

https://www.explainthatstuff.com/piezoelectricity.html

Danessa Rivera, “NGCP Warns Looming of Power Shortage,” PhilStar, February 21, 2020,
https://www.philstar.com/business/2020/02/21/1994766/ngcp-warns-looming-power
shortage#:~:text=of%20the%20Philippines%20(NGCP)%20is,capacity%20from%20new
%20power%20plants.

E. Minazara, D. Vasic, F. Costa, “Piezoelectric Generator Harvesting Bike Vibrations Energy to

Supply Portable Devices,” RE&PQJ 1, no.6 (March 2008): 508-513.
https://doi.org/10.24084/repqj06.344

Kurian Kurian et al., “Piezoelectric Power Generation from Tyres,” International Research
Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET) 5, no. 4 (April 2018): 3492-2495.
https://www.irjet.net/archives/V5/i4/IRJET-V5I4783.pdf

Nanomotion, “The Piezoelectric Effect,” Accessed October 7, 2020,

https://www.nanomotion.com/nanomotion-technology/piezoelectric
effect/#:~:text=Piezoelectric%20Effect%20is%20the%20ability,is%20Greek%20for%2
%E2%80%9Cpush%E2%80%9

Polytechnic Hub, “Advantages, disadvantages and applications of piezoelectric transducer,” June

8, 2017, https://www.polytechnichub.com/advantages-disadvantages-applications
piezoelectric-transducer/

Semiconductor For You, “What are the advantages and disadvantages of piezoelectric
transducer?” July 24, 2017, https://www.semiconductorforu.com/advantages
disadvantages-piezoelectric-transducer/