Enhancement of the Piezoelectric mat for waterproofing

A Research Paper Presented to the Faculty,

Junior High School Department

In Moreno Integrated School

In Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements in

Research IV

Aras, Rain U.

Casiano, Hazelyn V.

Glipo, Ma. Zuswindy S.

Guatno, Mathew Rovinz

Laborte, Wildren A.

Naing, Ezekiel F.

Ramos, Jessica
 Sapungan, Avril A.

Mrs. Senen D. Rafael

Research Teacher

INTRODUCTION

The energy consumed by the whole world is said to increase by almost 50% from 2020 to

2050. Today, most global energy production relies on fossil fuels. The use of fossil fuels is 83%

of global energy creation but it releases carbon dioxide that contributes to the greenhouse effect

which causes global warming and climate change(Terrapass, 2022). With energy production

having negative impacts on the environment, researchers are prompted to look for alternative

ways of producing electricity to lessen its negative impacts by using renewable

energy.Renewable energy is a type of energy that is derived from natural sources that are

constantly replenished, such as sunlight, wind, and water. It is often contrasted with non-

renewable energy sources, such as fossil fuels, which are finite and have a negative impact on the

environment.
 One of the main advantages of renewable energy is its positive impact on the

environment. Unlike fossil fuels, renewable energy sources do not produce greenhouse gas

emissions that contribute to climate change. They also have a lower environmental impact in

terms of air and water pollution. By shifting towards renewable energy sources, we can reduce

our carbon footprint and mitigate the effects of climate change. The common alternatives that are

used for renewable energy production energy consumption are Solar, Wind, Geothermal, Ocean,

and Biomass. Even though there are other ways of creating renewable energy, most people don't

have access to the machines that are needed for renewable energy production, with solar panels

and windmills being expensive, Geothermal relies on active volcanoes, ocean energy is still

being developed, and Biomass that could lead to deforestation and still emits carbon yet lesser

than fossil fuels (un.org, N/A). Because most people don't have access to these types of

alternative energy production other ways have also been developed to create renewable energy

one of which is piezoelectricity.

Piezoelectricity is a fascinating electromechanical phenomenon that has garnered significant

attention in the fields of materials science, engineering, and electronics. It involves the

generation of an electric charge in certain materials when mechanical stress or pressure is applied

to them, and conversely, the deformation of these materials when an electric field is applied. This

unique property has led to a wide range of potential uses and applications across various

industries. Different materials exhibit piezoelectric properties, with quartz, lead zirconate titanate

(PZT), and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) being some of the most commonly used ones.

Researchers have extensively studied the crystal structures and properties of these materials to

optimize their piezoelectric performance.(Polymer Engineering & Science 55 (7), 2015)

Piezoelectric transducers and sensors have found widespread use in various industries. These

devices can convert mechanical vibrations, such as those in sonar systems or ultrasound

machines, into electrical signals. They are also employed in pressure sensors, accelerometers,

and even musical pickups

Piezoelectric sensors work when exposed to mechanical strain, hence several studies applied it to

a mat. A mat is exposed to foot pressure day by day, and applying piezoelectric sensors

underneath the mat would be beneficial because it produces electricity. A study conducted by T.

Sai Harshita, et al.(2023) showed the possible applications of the Piezo based visitor sensing

welcome mat. Another study conducted by suggested that the piezoelectric mat should be

waterproof and to make the piezo mat durable by stacking two plywood using adhesives. The

researchers also concluded that in order to sustain and to continually charge a device,the piezo

mat will need a new system and a new wiring diagram.Moreover According to a research

published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, participants in a fitness

challenge walked 6,886 steps on average each day, according to Daniel Budnis (2023).

Due to the participants' active participation in a fitness challenge, this number can be a little

higher than typical. An earlier study's findings, this time published in the journal Medicine and

Science in Sports and Exercise, showed that an average person takes 5,117 steps each day.

Children and younger adults could walk more regularly each day. According to a 2011

International Journal of Behavioural Nutrition and Physical Activity paper, individuals under the

age of eighteen may really walk between 10,000 and 16,000 steps every day. This number of

steps can be used to produce electricity through the piezo mat.

This study is to the address the problem faced by Piezoelectric mats to work when in contact

with water. This study will also focus on creating a piezoelectric mat that produces more voltage.

Upon the success of this study,

STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM

Generally, this study aims to create a Piezoelectric waterproof mat with and determine

the effectiveness of piezoelectric mat to harvest energy for later use. Specifically, it aims

to answer the following questions:

1. What are the components of Piezoelectric waterproof mat to effectively harness energy

and to become waterproof?

2. Which treatment is effective in converting footsteps and weight to electric energy?

3. How effective is the Piezoelectric waterproof mat in terms of:

A. Harnessing/Converting electricity and

B. it’s ability to become waterproof?

 4. Is there a significant difference between treatments in terms of converting?

HYPOTHESIS

The piezoelectric mat has no significant difference in the energy harvested when

subjected to typical mat conditions and environmental conditions.

The piezoelectric mat is not effective in preventing the water from entering its

components

SCOPE OF THE STUDY

The researchers will conduct the production of the piezoelectric mat at Purok 3, Tagas,

Lag-on, Daet Camarines Norte.

The procedure is anticipated to be created between the months of December and

January.

DELIMITATION

The study will be limited to the use of a piezoelectric mat and applying it with piezoelectrics

and evaluating its progression until it became a perfect prototype. The researchers will not

make this for marketing purposes, but to see if this study may help address the piezo mat’s
 inability to work underwater. The midsoles produced will not replace the charger but instead

extend the battery life of the phone and/or other devices.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study aims to contribute to the advancement of energy harvesting technology by

exploring the potential of piezoelectric materials in shoe accessories. By developing a

piezoelectric mat, this research could pave the way for a new generation of energy efficient

and sustainable electronics. The beneficials of this study includes the following:(may

babaguhin or dadagdag)

Consumers

The piezoelectric mat has the potential to benefit consumers who use shoes daily for their

work especially when walking is their way for going to their work.

Future Researchers –

This research can provide future researchers information in the production of

piezoelectric midsole.Furthermore they can conduct experiments that have not been

yet done in this research.

Environment –

As mentioned earlier, power plants create carbon emissions that bigger negative impact

on our environment .The impact of this problem can be reduced using the piezoelectric midsole

because it is clean energy.

METHODOLOGY

The general plan or technique employed by researchers in their work is known as research

methodology. It includes the methodology, data collecting strategies, data analysis approaches,

research design, theoretical and philosophical foundations, and the overarching framework that

the study is carried out in.

The framework that research methodology offers for the planning, execution, and analysis of

research also helps researchers choose which methods are best suited for their task.

Research Design

haha

Research instrument

In this study, the survey questionnaire will be used as the study instrument. The researchers will

collect information and data from a variety of participants, allowing for a more comprehensive

investigation of the effectiveness of the waterproof Piezeoelectric mat.

Data gathering

To gather data,the researchers will conduct experiments for testing the durability and waterproof-

ness of the Piezoelectric mat.For the durability of the mat, a measure drop test will be used for

measuring the durability of the piezo mat. For the water resistance, the piezo mat will be

subjected to typical rainy like environment and its voltage produced will be then observed.

Materials

MATERIALS
For preparing the Piezoelectric mat, the following materials will be used: 4 1N4007 Diode,2 pcs

50 x 80 plywood, 4 pcs Smooth lumber, ___ pcs 27mm piezoelectric sensor, __ pcs stranded

wire, ___ pcs 10 x 30 mm bolts and nuts, 2 pcs roll adhesive rubber strips, 50 x 80 non slip mat,

—- pcs 25v capacitor with 10 microfarads (di pa tapos)

Procedures

Two layers of piezo sensors were glued on top of each other to the 50 x 80 plywood. The

researchers used a series circuit since the wire diagram produced a higher voltage. A bridge

rectifier was used to change the alternating current into direct current, and a capacitor was used

to record and monitor the voltage increase. Smooth lumber was used as a border and rubber

strips were attached to the top and the bottom of the lumber. Rubber strips and lumber were used

to ensure that the piezo sensors won't be affected because of rainy weather. The wires of the

piezo sensors was connected to the 4 1N4007 diode. The second plywood was used to seal the

inside of the mat using the bolts and nuts, and then the non-slip mat was added on top

To determine the voltage for the purposes of this study, comprehensive testing techniques with a

multimeter and a dc load were employed. The researchers conducted tests on the Piezo mat, the

study's prototype. This uses a 25V capacitor with 10 microfarads to store energy for the piezo
mat to -collect energy through footfall. The energy generated by the footsteps was retained in the

capacitor. The goals were for a person weighing 40 -50 kg for 1000 footsteps, 1500 for a person

weighing 51-60 kg, and 2000 footsteps for a person weighing 61-70 kg. Initially, the dimensions

and form of the mat utilized for prototyping were established. The researchers then utilized the

measurements for the piezoelectric transducer to cut a piece of plywood to a similar size. The

piezo transducer for an electric current may be arranged efficiently thanks to stepping analysis of

the foot pressure. The researchers formed a series circuit by soldering the piezoelectric

components together. The mechanical energy that had been converted was then stored in a 25V

capacitor with 10 microfarads connected to a multimeter. Foam pushers were then placed into

the piezo components on top of each other to enhance mechanical stress and provide more

voltage.
TRIAL 1 TRIAL 2 TRIAL 3
T1 40-50kl

T2 51-60kl

T3 61-70kl