Taurian Innovative Journal/Volume 1/ Issue 1/ NCESMT/TGC/120917/11

Study of piezoelectric effect and its

Usefulness in energy harvesting: a review
Aman Kumar , Angad Anand , Anubhav Raj 3
Yogesh Popat, Aman Kumar, Angad Anand,
Yogesh
1
Anubhav
Popat*,
2
Raj Kumar, Angad Anand, Anubhav Raj
Aman

Class XI, Taurian

Taurian World
World School,School, Ranchi, India
Ranchi, India

Abstract - This paper shows us that in last few years
electric devices that uses very less amount of electricity
have been increase rapidly. The devices are used in a large
number to comfort our daily lives. With increase in energy
consumption of these portable electronic devices, the
concept of harvesting alternative renewable energy in
human surroundings arises a new interest among us. This
paper describes the use of Piezoelectric materials in order
to harvest energy from people walking vibration for
generating and accumulating the energy. This concept is
also applicable to some large vibration sources which can
find from nature. This paper also represents a footstep of
Piezoelectric energy harvesting model which is cost
effective and easy to implement.
strain, thermal energy from furnace, heaters and friction
sources, sun light or room light, human body, chemical
or biological sources which can generate mW or μW
level power. Micro power supply need is increasing
greatly with time as our technology is moving to the
micro and nano fabrications levels. Our discussion on
this paper is based on generating micro energy from
vibrations and pressure using piezoelectric material
such as quartz.
Process of Generation of Electricity using piezoelectric
material

Keywords - Piezoelectric Technology, Energy Harvesting

Roads, Renewable energy, Energy conservation.

1. Introduction

As the demand of fossil fuel is rapidly increasing over

time, the future of generating power using non-
renewable energy will come to a standstill. This
overconsumption and risk associated with non-
renewable energy is pressuring the environment and
economy as well. In Bangladesh, lack of energy is a big
problem. Renewable energy sources can be a great
media to solve this energy crisis problem in Bangladesh.
As we know that natural resources will finish one day.
That’s why researchers are trying to introduce
renewable energy sources from nature. That must be
green and not harmful to the environment.
Human beings have already started to use energy
harvesting technology in the form of windmill,
geothermal and solar energy. The energy came from
natural resources, are known as renewable energy.
Renewable energy harvesting plants generate kW or
MW level power; it is called macro energy harvesting
technology. Micro energy harvesting technology is
based on mechanical vibration, mechanical stress and
Figure 1
2. Classification of piezoelectric material
Piezoelectric materials are good convertor of
mechanical energy into electrical energy. They are very
sensitive to the applied pressure and can convert the
pressure of sound waves into voltage. The main
principle of piezoelectricity lies behind the crystals.
Electrical voltage is induced when crystalline materials
are subjected to external force and pressure.
Due to this the dimension of crystal changes this effect
is known as electrostriction effect. Piezoelectric effect
is observed in materials such as Quartz, Rochelle Salt,
Braium titanate etc. falls under the category of synthetic
type.
Table 1 shows the properties of some piezoelectric

Corresponding Author: Aman Kumar 70

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materials in the following. In this table, G denotes the 3.5 In 2015, Ravjeet Kour and Ahmad Charif has
voltage sensitivity in volt meter per newton and K is said that using Piezoelectric material will be a
charge sensitivity in coulomb per newton. revolution in the production of energy by meeting
innovations and technologies to shape future energy.
TABLE 1: Some example of piezoelectric materials [1] However, further concentration is required to quantify
and result in a greater power outcome to become a
Seria Materials Type G(Vm/N K(PC/N reliable source of electricity.
l No. ) )
1. Barium Syntheti 0.00012 150 4. Mathematical Analysis
titanate c
2. Quartz Natural 0.00050 02 The output electrical potential of any piezoelectric
𝑮𝑭𝑻
3. Dipotassiu Syntheti 0.00060 155 material is given by the following equation 𝑬 =
𝑨
m tartrate c Where E is the potential development, A is the area of
the piezoelectric crystal, G is the voltage sensitivity, T
3. Literature Survey is the thickness of the crystal.
Taking quartz under consideration having
3.1 The capacity of piezoelectric effect in energy G=0.050Vm/N, T=1mtr, A=1 sq. mtr & the force
harvesting has also been discussed by I. Patel, (2010) applied by the train is 300000 N putting all this values
mentioning that a previous modeling study by Starner, in equation of output voltage we get E=15000V
(1996) showed 5 Watt of electrical power can be Taking Barium titante into consideration having
generated by a 52 kg person at a brisk walking pace G=0.012 Vm/N, A=1 mtr sq.& the force applied by the
using PVDF (polyvinylidene fluoride) power harvesting train is 300000n putting all these values in the equation
device integrated in a shoe. of output voltage we get E=3600V. So by varying the
parameters of the equation we are able to vary the output
3.2 The findings of this experiment have paved the way voltage of piezoelectric crystal.
for energy storage using a bridge rectifier and a To increase the charge sensitivity, more than one
capacitor. Energy harvesting by piezoelectric material element can be used to form a transducer system and
through the impact of rain drops has also been proposed such combination are called bimorphs or multimorphs
and proven in principle (R.Guigon, 2008). (or piezopile), depending on weather they are of two
element or more. The parallel and series connected
3.3 The duo from MIT whom introduced the concept of bimorphs are shown in figure 3 and 4 respectively.
“Crowd Farming” carried out a experiment to Multimorphs of four elements can also be used, which
demonstrate their hypothesis by using block slippage develops four times the charge of single element it
against one another that performs as the power generator should be noted that the four element are mechanically
based on the principle of a dynamo (Wright, 2007). in series but electrical in parallel and hence the net
They found out that a single human step is able to power capacitance of the transducer increases
two 60 Watt light bulbs for about one flickering second; correspondingly.
hence a crowd motion 28 257 steps (per say) may
generate enough power to move a train for one second.

3.4 In 2013, it was suggested by Yogesh Popat that we

can make Energy efficient lightning in railway tunnels
of India. By this method the light of railway tunnels are
a glow when it is required i.e, when the train is inside
Figure 1. Parallel Connection
the tunnel otherwise it will be off. In this way large
amount of energy can be conserved.

Corresponding Author: Aman Kumar 71

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Figure 2. Series Connection
The series electrical connection may as well be
employed if higher voltage sensitivity is desired,
provide the reduced capacitance is a satisfactory match
to the signal processing circuit. [2]
5. Different Fields Of Utilizing Piezoelectric Effect
5.1 In clubs and pubs
For instance, in September 2008, a new night club in
Rotterdam, with a sustainable, energy-generating piezo
dance floor, opened its doors. There are energy
generating sidewalks, subway stairs and platforms,
highways, fitness enters, playgrounds and even
buildings. These places aren’t chosen randomly of
course. The beauty of piezoelectric harvesting lies in the
fact that it collects energy that has already being
wasted. Let people drive, walk, play, run and dance as
they always do, and turn the energy produced by these
everyday activities into a renewable product.
Given the current commercial interest in this
technology, it is only a matter of time before the market
finds ways to make wearable energy harvesting and
storage more cost effective, the batteries more flexible
and the fabrics more attractive. Wearable, stretchable
batteries integrated in energy-harvesting textiles or the
soles of our shoes can then replace the classic battery by
producing and storing energy by simply living our daily
lives, allowing us to recharge our mobile electronics as
we go. A cell phone running out of power will then be a
definitive thing of the past. And just image all the other
things we can do with this reclaimed energy.
5.2 In Electric Cigarette Lighter
A new type of electronic cigarette lighter used in gas
stoves is made from piezoelectric ceramics. As long as
you press the button with your finger, the piezoelectric
ceramic on the lighter will change to create a high
voltage, which will ignite the spark and ignite the gas,
which can be used for a long time. So the piezoelectric
lighter is not only convenient, safe and reliable, but also
has a long life. Some of the lighters made of
piezoelectric ceramics can be used more than one
million times. This is another application of
Corresponding Author: Aman Kumar
piezoelectric ceramics, ultrasonic sensors. In general,
piezoelectric ceramics need to work with piezo drivers.
Piezo drivers from ATI could drive large piezos at high
speed. The output voltage is 0V to 200V when powered
by a 5V power supply. [3]
5.3 Pressure Sensor
In nearly any application requiring the measurement of
dynamic pressure changes, using piezoelectric pressure
sensors yields more reliable results than using
conventional electromechanical pressure sensors. This
is because piezoelectric devices have a high frequency
response and signal conversion without requiring any
bellows, diaphragm, or any type of mechanical linkage
in conjunction with a strain gage or displacement
sensor. [4]
6. Data Collection In India Using Piezoelectric
Energy
Knowing the principle behind piezoelectricity and
falling under renewable energy category has drawn
expected results. Renewable energy provides a wide
range of methods to utilize lost energy in the
environment. Yet, they are not enough to completely
depend upon to account for higher consumption. These
methods lack the ability to harvest one of the ambient
lost energy which is exerted mechanically. Apart from
emitting zero carbon emissions, respondents were
highlighted to piezoelectric functionality and the ability
to transform mechanical to electrical energy the clean
method grabbed attention of 73% as shown in figure 8,
respondents to emerge piezoelectricity with other
renewable methods and thus increase its future
applications.
Level of Renewable
Energy Awareness
120
100
80
60
40
Percentage
20
0
Figure 3 Piezoelectric devices consumption level
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7. Advantages
7.1. They can generate electricity by their own, so no
need of external source.
7.2. Easy to use as they have small dimensions and
large measuring range.
7.3. Barium titanate and quartz can be made in any
desired shape and form. The crystal axis is selectable
by orienting the direction of orientation.
7.4. Frequency range is very high
8. Disadvantages
8.1. It is not suitable for measurement in static
condition.
8.2. Since the device operates with the small electric
charge, they need high impedance cable for electrical
cable for electrical interface.
8.3. The output may vary according to the temperature
variation of the crystal.
8.4. The relative humidity rises above 85% or falls
below 35%, its output will be affected. If so, it has to be
coated with wax or polymer material. [7]
9. Electricity Generation using Noise – Future Scope
9.1. If we will be able to convert sound energy to electric
energy efficiently it could help us to reduce the scarcity
of electrical energy globally and help in the
development of mankind and reduction of CO2 as
electrical energy one of the cleanest energy.
9.2. The noise pollution in the road would be able to
convert electric energy and lights the street lighting,
signals and various other electrical appliances.
9.3. The noise pollution in runway could be used to
produce electricity.
9.4. The electricity produce in nuclear power station
could increase as the sound produce during nuclear
fission also could be used to get more electric energy.
9.5. The noise pollution in industries could be used to
produce electricity and work certain low voltage
machine. Its scope doesn’t end. [8]
Conclusion
Having met the power metrics will make such invention
starting point to self-sustaining environment by being
dependent on vehicle, all living organisms steps, sound
etc., to curb down input energy and cost. This will be a
revolution in the production of energy by meeting
innovations and technologies to shape future energy.
Corresponding Author: Aman Kumar
However, further concentration is required to quantify
and result in a greater power outcome to become a
reliable source of electricity.
Acknowledgement
This project expended tremendous measure of work,
research and commitment. This project was mainly
supported by Mr. Yogesh Popat, Coordinator and Head
R & D who provided proficiency and expertise that
greatly aided the research and also provided valuable
comment recommendations on this which gave me a
motivation to enhance this paper. Nevertheless, I
express my thankfulness towards my family for their
kind collaboration and encouragement to seek
knowledge on demand and carve for education which
helps me in completion of this project.
References
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[2]https://www.americanpiezo.com/blog/top-uses-of-
piezoelectricity-in-everyday-applications/
[3] Ratnesh Srivastava et al, Power Generation Using
Piezoelectric Material, International Advanced Research
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1588, 101-104, 2015
[4] Shalabh Rakesh Bhatnagar, Converting Sound Energy To
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[5] C.O. Mathuna, T. O'Donnell, R.V. Martinez-Catala,J.
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[7] S. Roundy, P.K. Wright and J. Rabaey, “A study of low
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[8] H. Sodano, E.A. Magliula, G. Park and D.J. Inman,
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[9] M. Vergé and D. Jaume, “ModélisationStructurée des
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[10] V.G.M. Annamdas,“Facts of Piezo Impedance

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Corresponding Author: Aman Kumar

Institution: Taurian World School, Ranchi
e-mail id: amankumarbd@gmail.com

Corresponding Author: Aman Kumar 74