ALTERNATIVE SOURCE OF RENEWABLE ENERGY USING PIEZO

A Thesis Presented to the

Faculty of the College of Engineering and Technology
Electrical Engineering Department
University of St. La Salle
Bacolod City

In Partial Fulfilment
Of the Requirements for the Degree of
Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering

VENZY M. ARDENIO
JOEL M. BERGOLA JR.
DAISYREY ANN P. LAMIG

September 28, 2018

 APPROVAL SHEET

The thesis entitled “ALTERNATIVE SOURCE OF RENEWABLE ENERGY USING

PIEZO” presented by VENZY M. ARDENIO, JOEL M. BERGOLA JR., DAISYREY
ANN P. LAMIG, in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of BACHELOR OF
SCIENCE IN ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING of the University of St. La Salle, College of
Engineering and Technology has been evaluated and approved by the panel of evaluators.

PANEL OF EVALUATORS

JONAS PARREÑO, ECE

KIMWELL LALUMA, ECE JOSE ESPINO, MECE MECE

KARLO BLANCA, ECE, MECE

Adviser

TEACHER: MIROSE FRANCISCO, REE

DEPARTMENT HEAD: DR. JOSELITO LUMANANG, PHD, REE, MEE
DEAN: DR. MARIA THERESE BERNADETTE SALES, PHD, RCHE
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We researchers would like to extend our gratitude to our very own professor Engr. Mirose

Francisco for guiding and assisting us in this project. We would also like to thank Engr. Karlo

Blanca for his kind assistance, especially in designing our project.

Additional thanks to the owner of Mami’s Boarding House, Mr. Silvino Emilio J. Gallardo

for letting us inside the vicinity in making our project. And thanks to Bens Machine Shop and

Manong “John Rey” for helping us in fabricating our project. And also thank for Mrs. Ardenio

and Residence for giving us a place to work on our prototype and for cooking us food to eat.

We would also like to thank our classmates, friends, loved one’s and to our dearest parents

for the all-out support and advices in developing and improving our project. To our parents that

supports us not only financially but also emotionally and mentally.

 TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

TITLE PAGE i

APPROVAL SHEET ii

ACKNOWLEDGMENT iii

TABLE OF CONTENTS iv

LIST OF TABLES v

LIST OF FIGURES vi

ABSTRACT vii

INTRODUCTION 1

Background of the Study 1

Statement of the Problem 3

Conceptual Framework 3

Scope and Limitations 5

Significance of the Study 5

Definition of Terms 6

Review of Related Literature 6

MATERIALS AND METHODS 10

Research Design 10

Research Methodology 11

Fabrication 14

Description of Prototype 23
 Quality Testing 23

Ethical Considerations 24

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 26

CONCLUSION 31

RECOMMENDATIONS 33

REFERENCES 34

APPENDIX 35
 List of Tables

Table ` Page

1. Sample Table of Testing the Rain Powered Generator 22

2. Sample Table of Testing the Solar Panel 22

3. Results of the Piezoelectric Sensors before Charge Controller (Input) 26

4. Results of the Piezoelectric Sensors after Charge Controller (Output) 27

5. Test Results taken from a Cloudy Weather with Load 28

6. Test Results taken from a Sunny Weather with Load 29

7. Test Results taken from a Fair Weather with No Load 29

8. Test Results taken from a Sunny Weather with No Load 30

 List of Figures

Figures Page

1. Conceptual Framework 3

2. Research Design 10

3. System Diagram of Rain Powered Generator 11

3.1. Circuit Diagram of Piezo Sensors with individual rectifiers 12

4. System Diagram of Solar Power Generation 12

5. System Diagram of Rain and Solar Powered Generator 13

6. Hardware Design of Rain Powered Generator 13

7. Solar Panel 12V 50 Watts 14

7.1. Charge Controller 12V 14

8. Ceramic Piezoelectric Sensors 15

9. Rectifier 16

10. AC to DC Voltage Illustration 16

11. Forward Bias Connection to the battery 17

12. Battery 12V 4AH 17

13. Acrylic Plastic Sheet 18

14. Angle Bars ¾ 18

15. Rubber Materials 19

16. Metal Sheet 19

17. Springs 20

18. Bubble Wrap Plastic 20

19. Prototype design 21

 ABSTRACT

Unexpected power outage can be inconvenient at all times. All preparations for tomorrow’s
work and school assignments or personal activities especially at night can be interrupted by a
power outage. The trend right now in the modern technology is to use a device that can take
advantage of renewables energies like geothermal energy, wind energy, hydroelectric energy
and solar energy. The most common and efficient renewable energy that is widely used are the
solar energy. The researchers will make use of the vibration produced by the water coming
from the water gutters of houses to generate voltage using piezoelectric sensors. As a support
to this system the researchers added a Solar Panel to aid the generation in the absence of rain.
The researchers will use materials that are locally available and low cost. This project involves
discovering if piezo materials can be used an alternative source of energy effectively like Solar,
Wind and other sources of renewable energy that are present today. And the final phase of this
project is to test the output of the piezo to determine the voltage output range from varying
flowrate of water on the roof gutter of houses. The results of the analysis can be used for future
researchers that will improve energy harvesting using piezo.
 INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Energy crisis is a global dilemma that the world seeks to address. The limited natural

resources that are used to power industrial society are diminishing and could no longer suffice

the increasing demand in the near future. This is the reason that pushed the extent of our

technology in searching for an alternative renewable energy source. Solar energy and energy

derived from piezoelectric sensors are only a few of these advancements offered by our present

technology. In addition, for a small scale based application, these technological advancements

can provide alternative source of renewable energy.

The study will be generating power from vibration delivered by raindrop impact to the

ceramic piezoelectric sensors and solar energy using solar-powered photovoltaic panel. The

use of these alternative power source may provide energy sufficient enough to illuminate a

light emitting diode (LED) bulb. And during dry season wherein rain is unavailable the use of

solar cells will be a perfect hybrid match to this study.

Chaillout and his colleagues realized that every time a drop impacts on a surface it is an

opportunity missed. Each raindrop has an impact energy that is highly dependent on the size of

the drop; from a small drizzle drop that has 2 microjoules on impact, to a downpour size drop

that carries 1 millijoule of impact energy. Piezoelectric materials generate an electrical

potential when acted on by an outside physical force- say a raindrop.

The American Piezo Ceramic Inc. (2016) stated that a piezoelectric sensor converts a

physical parameter, such as acceleration or pressure, into an electrical signal. In some sensors

the physical parameter acts directly on the piezoelectric element; in other devices an acoustical

signal establishes vibrations in the element and the vibrations are, in turn, converted into an

electrical signal.
 The principles of its operation is discussed by AZoSensors (2012) wherein the

piezoelectric effect is detected by a sensor and from this measurements can be made on changes

in pressure, acceleration, and force that are displayed in the form of an electrical charge.

Piezoelectric crystals such as barium titanate and ceramic material such as lead zirconate

titanate are considered smart materials for the purpose of generating a piezoelectric effect and

are built in piezoelectric sensor technology. There are two types of pressure sensors

(mechanical and electrical) that are typically used to measure the piezoelectric effect.

According to Solar Energy Industries Association (2018), solar energy is the cleanest and

most abundant renewable energy source available. Solar technologies such as photovoltaic, can

harness this energy for a variety of uses, including generating electricity, providing light or a

comfortable interior environment, and heating water for domestic, commercial, or

industrial use. Furthermore, the Department of Energy (DOE) reported to United States of

America for International Development (USAID) in 2018 that Philippines is a home to solar,

wind and other renewable energy resources.

Solar photovoltaic cells consist of a positive and a negative film of silicon placed under

a thin slice of glass. As the photons of the sunlight beat down upon these cells, they knock

the electrons off the silicon. The negatively-charged free electrons are preferentially attracted

to one side of the silicon cell, which creates an electric voltage that can be collected and

channeled. This current is gathered by wiring the individual solar panels together in series to

form a solar photovoltaic array. (NW Wind and Solar, 2015)

Statement of the Problem

The main objective of this study is to design and fabricate an Alternative Source of

Renewable Energy Using Piezo.

This study aims to answer the following specific questions:

1. What would be the appropriate design to construct an integrated Solar – Piezo generation

system?

2. What are the needed materials and procedures to fabricate the piezoelectric rain

generator?

3. Will the output of the piezoelectric rain generator be an alternative source of renewable

energy?

Conceptual Framework

Input Process Output

 Sunlight  Designing  Alternative

 Solar Energy
 Rain  Fabricating Renewable Energy
 Kinetic Energy
 12V, 4AH battery  Testing
 Angle bars
 Ceramic  Adjustments
Piezoelectric sensor
 Solar panel
 Metal Sheets
 Acrylic Plastic
Sheets
 Rectifier
 Charge controller
 Spring
 Bubble Wrap
Plastic
 Rubber Material

Figure 1. Conceptual Framework

Figure 1 shows the concept and theory of the proposed project. Inputs needed are the rain, solar

energy and materials such as piezoelectric transducer, solar panel, charge controller, rectifier
circuit and battery. Process needed are; design in terms of hardware and circuit design,

fabricating the said design and test the output of the project for adjustments and evaluations if

the output is capable of providing emergency power backup. The angle bar is needed for the

housing device for it to be protected in damages. The researchers made use of the sunlight to

gather solar energy from the sun using a photovoltaic solar panel. Though not every day we

experience the high intensity of UV-rays due to sudden change of the weather, the researchers

develop a way to integrate another source of renewable energy by using piezoelectric sensor.

This sensor uses rain for it to gather kinetic energy and convert it to electrical energy. The

process of developing the said integrated device is not easy, for it does need enough kinetic

energy from the rain to charge a battery. Ceramic piezoelectric sensors are used by the

researchers because of its availability in the market and has lower cost than quartz and PVDF.

The piezoelectric bought by the researchers has a diameter of 23mm and this size of the sensor

also has lower rating compared with the larger ones. In designing the prototype, the researchers

read some related studies and gathered this information to develop a simple design in making

the prototype. During the fabrication stage, several steps must be considered in order to make

the prototype work, and this includes the wiring connection of each piezoelectric sensors in

order to give an output to charge a battery. Different intensities of UV-rays are observed in

testing the solar panel. In testing the piezoelectric sensor, different volumetric flow rates are

observed by the researchers. After the testing of the integrated device some adjustments are

made by the researchers along the piezoelectric material in order to develop the output voltage

of the sensor. After the input and process are made and done by the researchers, the output of

the study is the “Alternative Source of Renewable Energy Using Piezo”. This device could help

a certain household to illuminate an LED bulb during heavy rains and black-out situations.

Scope and Limitations

 The researchers make use of 20 pieces of ceramic piezoelectric sensors. The data gathered

was obtained from a pressurized water source (faucet) and free fall. The study only aims to

design a piezo circuit that is capable of producing acceptable range of voltages that can be later

on utilize for harvesting.

Significance of the Study

The study aims to establish an understanding about renewable energy. Furthermore,

this study may benefit the following:

Community. The proposed study will help them have a deeper understanding about

rain and solar powered generation for emergency power back up and how it works

Environment. The use of piezoelectric sensors and solar photovoltaic panel converts

mechanical and solar energy respectively to electrical energy without the consumption of the

limited natural resources such as the fossil fuels. Burning of such fuel produces gas pollution

which contributes to the rapid deterioration of the planet.

Government. This study will cater them the knowledge of utilizing renewable sources

of energy.

Electrical Engineering Societies. This study may be beneficial to electrical engineer

because with this they can create a more innovative rain and solar powered generation.

Future Researchers. The proposed study will benefit and help the future researchers

as their guide with the initial information for designing and constructing a rain and solar

powered generation.

Definitions of Terms
 The following terms have been defined conceptually and operationally for the better

understanding.

Solar energy. Is a radiant light and heat from the Sun that harnessed using a range of

ever evolving technologies such as solar heating, photovoltaics, solar thermal energy, solar

architecture, molten salt power plants and artificial photosynthesis.

Piezoelectric. Conceptually, materials that can create electricity when subjected

mechanical stress. They will also work in reverse, generating a strain by the application of an

electric field. Operationally, an alternative source of energy that can be used to provide power

backup.

Power Outage. Also called a power cut, a power blackout, power failure or a blackout

is a short-term or a long-term loss of the electric power to a particular area. Operationally,

inconvenience in electric power for a certain period of time.

Kinetic Energy. Conceptually, form of energy that an object or a particle has by reason

of its motion. Operationally, the energy gathered from rain fall.

Electrical Energy. Conceptually, energy that comes from electrical potential energy.

This energy is generated by the movement of positive and negative particles or electricity.

Operationally, the energy converted from rain fall.

Review of Related Literature

Philippines is one of the rain abundant developing region. Which is also caused by atleast

30 percent of the annual rainfall in the northern Philippines that can be traced to tropical

cyclones, while the southern islands receiving less than 10 percent of their annual rainfall from

tropical cyclones. And the average precipitation in depth (mm per year) is 2348 in 2014. (The

World Bank, 2014)

 The energy harnessed from raindrops which is a non-conventional energy source is

greener and but it is sufficient to power low energy density applications capable of carrying

small loads like led lamps on emergency power outage situation. (Perera et al., 2014)

As rain droplets fall through the atmosphere, kinetic energy builds up until the terminal

velocity is attained. Upon impact, non-elastic collision takes place and the energy is released.

The kinetic energy build-up is transferred directly to the transducer. Mechanism is simple and

straightforward, which is important for mass production, however individual impacts only

release small energies, conversion efficiency is poor for the small voltage output. Optimal

power output is only achieved for large downpour of rain, energy dissipation from inelastic

collisions further reduces the conversion efficiency. Upon attaining terminal velocity, the

kinetic energy of the raindrops no longer increases. Therefore, there is no difference in power

output between harvesting rainfall on ground level or at a higher elevation where terminal

velocity has already been attained. Potential energy collection-based generation, a collection

mechanism can be employed to build up a reservoir of water from rainfall catchment at a higher

than ground level elevation. The gravitational energy accumulated over time can then be

released and channeled through a fluidic flow mechanism to drive a kinetic-to-electric

transducer. This enables a larger instantaneous driving force on the transducer than that

achievable from direct impact, which allows electrical operation at a higher efficiency. (Ying

Miao, 2014)

The development of smart materials have promoted a rapid increase of interest in

ambient energy harvesting. Piezoelectric material is one of the common smart materials utilized

for harvesting vibration energy. A spray type rain simulator is developed to simulate actual

rain by using three nozzles. The rain simulator is able to generate rain with different rain

intensities and drop size distributions (DSD) to simulate different raining conditions.

Experiment results show that a total energy of 38.89 µJ, 52.05 µJ, and 114.68 µJ are harvested
when tested under light, moderate, and heavy rain respectively for a period of five minutes.

(Wong et al., 2016)

Each piezoelectric can be generated in average of 1 volt for each pressure at that surface.

Using more piezoelectric in series connection will supply more power to the load. The output

from the piezoelectric produced alternating current (AC), the use of rectifier circuit is employed

to convert AC to direct current (DC). (Mazalan et al., 2015)

The design of the circuit consists of a set of piezoelectric sensor, diode, battery, voltage

regulator and capacitor.These components consist of four diode ln4007, two capacitors with a

value of 470uF and voltage regulator LM7812. For the AC voltage source of the circuit, it is

actually represented by the piezoelectric transducer itself as an AC voltage directly generated

through it due to the vibration caused by the downpour. The type of piezoelectric transducer

which has been chosen are the circular type with the resonant frequency of 1.2 kHz and external

diameter of 50mm. The raindrop that hit the piezoelectric sensor that was placed on the rooftop

of the house will cause some vibration on it; from the mechanical energy the rain will converted

it to electrical energy or pulse. The electrical energy that was produced react as an AC input

source. The piezoelectric sensor was directly connected with a combination series and parallel

to get the maximum power output. The circuits are a form of full wave bridge rectifier that

converted an AC voltage input signal to a DC voltage output. Output power from piezoelectric

sensor stored at battery bank 3000mAh and it will charge that battery until full. When load is

used, the power from battery bank will discharge through the voltage regulator based on 5V or

12V load. The piezoelectric function is to convert the mechanical vibration energy into

electrical pulses. When these materials are subjected to a compressive or tensile stress, an

electrical field is generated across the material creating a voltage difference resulting in current

flow. (Mazalan et al., 2015)

 Methodology

In this chapter the researchers are going to discuss on how to design, construct and test a

prototype of the said project. In this chapter some of the components will also be defined. The

methodology primarily describes the process on how the study answers the objectives.

Research Design

This section discusses about the prototype design, fabrication and testing of the prototype.

Design

Fabrication
Testing

Figure 2

The researchers made a prototype of a Rain and Solar Power Generator through this

research design in which the researcher considered the design through various studies by

searching related literature in the internet and as well as watching videos in YouTube for the

step-by-step process. After gathering of information through several studies the researcher will

fabricate the prototype of the project. And after the fabrication is done, the researchers will test

the prototype of the project to check if there are failures or errors in the prototype.
Research Methodology

In the design of a rain and solar powered generator the following materials will be

considered to be such as ceramic piezoelectric sensors, Solar Cells, battery for storage, charge

controller and electrical wires.

The ceramic piezoelectric transducer will be placed on acrylic plastic and will be mounted

with rubber materials on its ceramic plate. The purpose of bubble wrap plastic is to shield and

secure the 20 pieces of ceramic piezoelectric transducer from rain. The solar panel will be on

top so that it will be easy to collect power from the sun.

The researcher was obliged to put a box to protect the components and charge controller

from the rain.

Figure 3.System diagram of rain powered generator

Figure 3 and 3.1 shows that each piezoelectric sensors will be connected to an individual

rectifier to automatically convert the ac voltage to dc voltage before connecting them in

parallel. This resolve our problem regarding cancelation of voltages when connected in parallel

directly to a rectifier.
 Figure 3.1.Circuit diagram of piezo sensors with individual rectifiers

Figure 4.System diagram of solar power generation

Figure 4 shows the system diagram of the solar power generation, this diagram shows a

basic connection of the solar panel to the charge controller for the solar energy absorbed by the

panel is already a DC voltage.

Ceramic Piezoelectric Rectifier Circuit
Load
Sensors

Solar Cells Charge Controller Battery

Figure 5. System diagram of Rain and Solar Generator

Figure 5 shows the block diagram of the integrated device which is connected to the charge

controller, to the battery and to a load.

Figure 6. Hardware Design of Rain Powered Generator

 Figure 6 shows the hardware design of the sensors mounted in a acrylic plastic to ensure

that the sensors are flattened on the surface to ensure that the impact of the rain water hits the

metal plate directly.

Fabrication

 Prototype Construction

 Solar Panel 12V 50 W

 20 Piezoelectric sensors

 12V, 4 AH DC Motorcycle Battery

 Acrylic Plastic Sheets

 20 Rectifiers

 Charge Controller

 Bubble Wrap Plastic

 Angle Bar

 Metal Sheet

 Rubber Mat

 Springs

Solar Panel 12V 50 W Charge Controller 12 – 24 V

Figure 7 Figure 7.1
 Figure 7 and figure 7.1 shows the solar panel, this is used to gather solar energy to be

converted to electrical energy and a charger controller for safe and smart charging. This

will be an alternative way to help generating power to households during dry seasons and

charge controller is used for safe charging of batteries to prevent overcharging.

20 Piezoelectric Sensors

Figure 8. 20 mm Ceramic piezoelectric sensors

In fabricating the designed arrangement of the piezoelectric sensor the researchers came

up with the idea of connecting the sensors in parallel connection. The different connections of

the piezoelectric sensor will provide a much larger output voltage and current that will be

gained from the converted mechanical energy to electrical energy of the sensors. A ceramic

piezoelectric sensor is will used because of its availability in the market and it is more

affordable than quartz but less efficient.

Rectifier (W series)

Figure 9. Rectifiers

The researchers will provide a rectifier for the conversion of the alternating current (AC)

to direct current (DC). The rectifier circuit will provide a single flow of electrons to the load

side of the project. Each piezoelectric sensors will have an individual rectifier to prevent

cancelation of voltages and add efficiency in converting the AC voltage to DC voltage to

prevent cancelation of voltages and then connect them in parallel.

Figure

10. AC to DC voltage illustration

Figure 10 shows the conversion of DC voltage from AC voltage, as you can see in the figure

in the AC side it shows a full wave while in the DC side it only shows a half wave.
 Diode (in between battery and charge controller)

Figure 11. Forward bias connection to the battery

Figure 11 shows that the connection of the diode is forward biased in between the battery

and the rectifier circuit in order to prevent discharge of battery.

Batteries

Figure 12 shows the battery for the storage of the gained energy from the rain and solar

to be stored. According to the related study, it is advisable to use energy storage in this project.

Because power generated is very low for direct use. To be effective in emergency situations,

energy must be stored in batteries and such system is operational during rainy season.

Figure 12. Battery 12V, 4AH

Acrylic Sheets

Figure 13 shows the casing of the project, the researchers make use of an acrylic plastic to

cover the piezoelectric sensors and keep it safe from any damages.

Figure 13.Acrylic Sheets

The size of the sheet for the piezoelectric sensors will be 11” by 12” with a 10” by 11”

metal sheet for the piezo sensors to be mount on. 20 piezoelectric sensors will be connected in

parallel with an individual rectifier and will be mounted on the 10” by 11” acrylic sheet.

Figure 14. Angle Bars. 3/4

Figure 14 shows the angle bars, used for a strong base and durable provided it is painted

to prevent rust. And the fabricators suggest this kind of materials to be used.
 Figure 15. Rubber Material

Figure 15 shows rubber materials, used for the cushioning of piezo from the metal sheet.

This provide a medium support to enable the piezo to be pressed. The rubber material will be

cut in that size to fit in the sensor’s ceramic plate as cushion while being push by the metal

sheet.

Figure 16. Metal Sheet 10” by 11”

 Figure 16 shows the metal sheet, used as a plate above the piezo sensors due to its

flexibility, it harness the vibration and be able to press the piezo sensors with enough stress to

generate voltage.

Figure 17. Springs

Figure 17 shows the springs, this is as a spacer or support for the metal sheet. And also to

provide cushioning. Mounted at the 4 corners of the acrylic plastic sheet.

Figure 18. Bubble Wrap

Figure 18 shows the bubble wrap plastic, used for the enclosure of the piezoelectric sensors

to prevent water leakage through the connections without losing the flexibility of the spring

and rubber cushion.

Figure 19. Prototype design
Testing

In testing the project, the researchers will conduct it in the area of Bacolod City. Two

households will be selected for the testing. The results will be recorded in the tables below.

Table 1. (Piezo)

Trial Voltage Current Power

Table 2. (Solar)

Time Voltage Current Power

11:00am – 11:30am

11:30am – 12:00pm

12:00pm – 12:30pm

12:30pm – 1:00pm

1:00pm – 1:30pm

1:30pm – 2:00pm
Tables 1 and 2 shows the parameters involved in the Rain and Solar Powered Generator testing,

it will be recorded per day for 5 days.

DESCRIPTION OF PROTOTYPE

In order to make the project possible the researchers made use of the materials that are

available in the market and has lower cost. The prototype has a simple housing designed by the

researchers where the photovoltaic solar panel is placed 6 inches above the piezoelectric

sensors. The 20 pieces of piezoelectric sensors are connected in parallel with rectifier in each

sensors. The piezoelectric sensors output is an AC voltage, the study will make use of a rectifier

to convert this AC output into DC voltage. The piezoelectric sensors are mounted on the acrylic

plastic sheet, with a rubber material on each piezoelectric sensors to provide cushioning. The

metal sheet is supported with spring to ensure stability on the metal sheet and also provide

cushioning between two plates. The photovoltaic solar panel and piezoelectric sensors are both

connected in parallel, but this connection cannot supply the battery bank at the same time for

it is connected in a double pull double throw switch. The switch will serve as a controller

whether to store the power output from the piezoelectric sensors or from the photovoltaic solar

panel to the battery. In order to attain the desired output of 12 volts DC from the piezoelectric

sensors. The parallel connection of the piezoelectric sensor with an individual rectifier is then

connected to a charge controller where you can see whether the battery is charging, you can

also set the charge controller into charging state if the battery is fully drained.

QUALITY TESTING

In testing the quality of the prototype, the study involves different situations in order to

gather data. The efficiency of both photovoltaic solar panel and ceramic piezoelectric sensor is

not 100% efficient, for it does not produce its maximum out power. In the part of testing the

photovoltaic solar panel the researchers observed different variations of sunny days and a time
interval of 30 minutes starting from 11am to 2pm. The output voltage of the solar panel varies

on how much energy it can gather from the sun. The output from the solar panel can give the

battery enough energy to illuminate an LED bulb. In part of the piezoelectric sensor the quality

is not that very efficient compared with quartz and PVDF, thus ceramic piezoelectric sensors

can produce enough minimum output voltage of 12V. In testing the ceramic piezoelectric

sensor, the study involves different volumetric flow rates to be tested whether it can produce

the desired output of the researchers. The output of the ceramic piezoelectric sensors varies on

how strong the vibration in can absorb from the source. Heavy impact of water in the metal

sheet would produce higher voltage output to be stored in a battery.

ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS

Given the fact that we could not control the weather due to its natural behavior, the

researchers observed that heavy rains can cause black-outs or what we Filipino’s call as brown-

out and this lead the researcher to ethical considerations.

First, the researchers observed the condition of the natural behavior of rain during rainy

season. Due to this observation made, the researchers sought of a way to make use of this

resources. The different conditions of rain was considered to accumulate the different

information in regards with the computation of flow rate.

Second, the researchers considered also the effect of the device in the people and in the

environment. Pollution is the number one problem that our environment faces today, this

project made by the researchers will be one way to lessen pollution as it is a non-pollutant

device for it uses solar energy and kinetic energy gathered from rain. The researchers reviewed

the possible designs and connections of the photovoltaic solar panel and piezoelectric sensor

in order to make the device work and provide the desirable output voltage and current. The

device made by researchers through this study can be considered as an economical project for

is does have other material used in the sensor and its availability in the market is abundant.
 Third, before the actual testing of the device the researchers made sure that the

connections of the sensors with each other is properly connected to avoid certain malfunctions

or damages. Considering the connections made in the sensor, it is a way to improve the output

of the project.

Lastly, the materials brought by the researchers is locally available. The intention of the

researchers is to design a prototype which can be a help to generate just a small amount of

energy to light a light bulb in a certain household.

 RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

The results and discussion of each table will be shown in this part. Several trials are

involved in taking the results of the prototype. For the photovoltaic solar panel testing, it consist

of different weather conditions where there is sunlight at a given time interval. And for the

piezoelectric sensor testing, 10 trials will be conducted to obtain the results of the study at an

average flowrate of 1.43 gal/min in a period of 9 minutes per trial.

Piezoelectric Sensor Testing

Trial Voltage Current Power

1 14.68V 0.29 A 4.257 W

2 14.27 V 0.23 A 4.366 W

3 14.52 V 0.32 A 4.646 W

4 14.73 V 0.27 A 3.977 W

5 14.63 V 0.24 A 3.511 W

6 14.37V 0.21 A 3.017 W

7 14.85 V 0.30 A 4.455 W

8 14.63 V 0.27 A 3.950 W

9 14.76 V 0.26 A 3.837 W

10 14.31 V 0.22 A 3.148 W

Table 3. Results of the Piezoelectric Sensors before Charge Controller (Input)

 Trial Voltage Current Power

1 3.25V 0.03 A 97.5 mW

2 2.87 V 0.03 A 86.1 mW

3 2.77 V 0.02 A 55.4 mW

4 2.65 V 0.03 A 79.5 mW

5 2.76 V 0.03 A 82.8 mW

6 3.46V 0.04 A 138.4 mW

7 2.82 V 0.02 A 56.4 mW

8 3.21 V 0.02 A 64.2 mW

9 3.18 V 0.02 A 63.6 mW

10 2.94 V 0.02 A 58.8 mW

Table 4. Results of the Piezoelectric Sensors after Charge Controller (Output)

Table 3 and 4 shows the readings before and after the charge controller. The average input

and output voltages in are 14.6 V and 2.99 V respectively, as shown in the voltage values there

is a certain difference between the input and output values due to the voltage drop and power

consumed by the charge controller.

 Photovoltaic Solar Panel Testing

Time Voltage Current Power

11:00am – 11:30am 12.34 V 0.44 A 5.412 W

11:30am – 12:00pm 12.36 V 0.27 A 3.337 W

12:00pm – 12:30pm 12.46 V 0.16 A 1.994 W

12:30pm – 1:00pm 12.96 V 0.18 A 2.333 W

1:00pm – 1:30pm 12.21 V 0.15 A 1.832 W

1:30pm – 2:00pm 12.29 V 0.22 A 2.704 W

Table 5. Test Results taken from a Cloudy Weather with Load

Table 5 shows that the results of the photovoltaic solar panel where a load of 12 V, 7

watts LED bulb is connected. This time variations was agreed by the researchers in order to

accumulate the maximum delivery of solar energy to the photovoltaic solar panel. The table

indicates that even the there is an interval of 30 minutes per testing, the output voltage of the

solar panel has a minimal difference from the last 30 minutes that it was tested. The weather

temperature in taking this results is at 32 degrees Celsius where we can receive much energy

from the sun.

Time Voltage Current Power

11:00am – 11:30am 12.68 V 0.58 A 7.354 W

11:30am – 12:00pm 12.77 V 0.67 A 8.556 W

12:00pm – 12:30pm 12.80 V 0.61 A 7.808 W

12:30pm – 1:00pm 12.70 V 0.52 A 6.604 W

1:00pm – 1:30pm 12.95 V 0.71 A 9.195 W

 1:30pm – 2:00pm 12.44 V 0.38 A 4.727 W

Table 6. Test Results taken from a Sunny Weather with load

Table 6 shows the results taken from a Sunny Weather where the temperature rises up to 33

to 34 degree Celsius. The table indicate the different output voltage taken from 11 am to 2 pm,

a maximum voltage of 12.95 volts was taken at time 1 pm to 1:30 pm where the sun rises at its

peak. Base on the table you can gather more output power from the sun where it is in its peak

and no clouds interrupting in between the solar panel and the energy from the sun. Comparing

it with table 2, though it has small difference in its output voltage the output power from table

3 is much more higher compared with the output power on table 2.

Time Voltage

11:00am – 11:30am 19.92 V

11:30am – 12:00pm 19.88 V

12:00pm – 12:30pm 19.92 V

12:30pm – 1:00pm 20 V

1:00pm – 1:30pm 19.92 V

1:30pm – 2:00pm 19.84 V

Table 7. Test Results taken from a Fair Weather with no load

Table 7 shows the result taken from a fair condition of the weather where there is no

load connected to it. This results are higher compared with the results that are connected with

a load for it does not meet any requirements to illuminate a certain load.
 Time Voltage

11:00am – 11:30am 22.56 V

11:30am – 12:00pm 19.36 V

12:00pm – 12:30pm 19.73 V

12:30pm – 1:00pm 19.81 V

1:00pm – 1:30pm 19.63 V

1:30pm – 2:00pm 18.78 V

Table 8. Test Results taken from a Sunny Weather with no load

Table 8 shows the maximum output voltage taken from the sun’s energy where the

temperature reaches up to 34 degrees Celsius. Table 4 and table 5 has a little difference on its

voltage output though the weather condition are dissimilar with each other.
 CONCLUSION

This section presents the summary of the findings of the prototype, the conclusion based

on the findings.

The researchers considered many things in making the prototype possible where it can

supply enough amount or let’s say a minimum amount of voltage to be stored in a battery. In

line of the study, the researchers discovered that there are different types of piezoelectric sensor

that can be used for the rain harvester generator. But for this prototype the researchers

considered in using the ceramic piezoelectric sensor due to its availability in the market and

has cheaper cost compared with the other kinds of the sensor.

Along the fabrication part of the prototype, several consideration must be applied in

order to achieve the desired output of the researchers. The circuit connection of the prototype

must be surely precise in order to avoid malfunction of the prototype. Piezoelectric sensors

have high voltage output range depending on the mechanical stress applied through it but very

low current output. Taking into consideration the prototype does not operate at 100% efficiency

for the materials used is produced from different companies and it has its own operating

efficiency. In developing the desired output of the prototype the researchers had a difficult time

in fabricating the sensor for it does require amount of vibration to enable its sensing of

mechanical energy and convert it into electrical energy. Assessing that pollution is present on

our surroundings nowadays, the researchers also made use of this information to create a new

source of energy so that the depletion of our limited natural resources is prohibited. This

prototype is made with the use of many consideration not only benefiting one individual but

also the environment for it the combination of rain and solar energy. This two energy sources

is abundantly present in our country where the prototype will be perfect to use as an alternative

source of energy.
 Based on the data gathered, the researchers concluded that the piezoelectric sensors can also

be a good source of alternative renewable energy in the absence of sunlight.

 RECOMMENDATIONS

To the future researchers of this study, the researchers recommend that you can make use

of different type of a piezoelectric sensor which has higher ratings for its output voltage and

current to produce higher power. This piezoelectric sensors does not limit its use in a rain

powered generator, it can also be used in different kinds of study as long as the researchers

involves mechanical stress to the sensor to provide mechanical energy and to be converted into

electrical energy. Mounting of the sensor should be adequately precise in order to achieve the

desired output of the researchers.

The researchers would try to recommend for future researchers to make use of a better

regulating circuit to stabilize the voltage output of piezo sensors.

The researchers also recommend to add additional piezo to be installed to increase the output

current or add current booster circuits to increase its output current because this project is

limited of using only 20 piezoelectric sensors.

The researchers would like to recommend, that the casing of the sensors must be built

properly to ensure sensors to withstand extreme conditions.

 REFERENCES

Aashay Tinaikar International Journal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy, June 30, 2013,

“Harvesting Energy from Rainfall”.

ARPN Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences by Voon-Kean Wong, Jee-Hou Ho and

Ai-Bao Chai, Vol. 11, no. 1, January 2016, “Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting In Varying

Simulated Rain Conditions” .

Bartosz Mika, August 2007, “Design and Testing of Piezoelectric Sensors”.

Journal of Sustainable Development of Energy, Water and Environment Systems Year 2014

Volume 2, Issue 3, pp 243-258, “Hybrid Decentralised Energy for Remote Communities: Case

Studies and the Analysis of the Potential Integration of Rain Energy”.

Norkharziana Mohd nayan, Azuwa Ali, Siti Khodijah Mazalan &Noor Haqkimi Abd Rahman,

August 2015, “Development of Rain Harvester using Piezoelectric Sensor”.

World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology International Journal of Energy and

Power Engineering Vol:8, No:2, 2014, “Harvesting of Kinetic Energy of the Raindrops”.
 APPENDIX

Average Volumetric Flow Rate

Volume / time = volumetric flow rate

Average flow rate:

Flowrate average = 0.377 + 0.4195 + 1.056 + 1.342 + 1.9455 + 2.1901 + 2.654

= 9.9841/7

= 1.43 gal/min

This equation is used to get the average volumetric flow rate of the water source to cause

the vibration on the metal sheet where the ceramic piezoelectric sensor is mounted.