Design and Simulation of Footstep Electricity Generator

Abstract
Introduction
In the last decade, energy has played a vital role in shaping our world. Advances in renewable
sources, like solar and wind, have fueled a global shift towards sustainable practices. Innovations
in energy storage and efficiency have driven economic growth, reduced carbon footprints, and
made-up the way for a more sustainable future.
Renewable and sustainable energy sources are important in lighten climate change and ensuring
a flexible future. Unlike finite fossil fuels, renewables like solar, wind, and hydropower provide
clean alternatives, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Their adoption promotes energy
independence and fosters economic growth through the creation of green jobs. Sustainable
energy practices also enhance energy security, minimizing reliance on volatile global markets.
Investing in renewables not only reduce environmental impact but also addresses the increasing
energy demands of a growing population.
Energy Harvesting Techniques
Thermoelectric
Thermoelectric energy harvesting is a technique that converts waste heat into electricity by
utilizing the temperature difference between two surfaces to generate a voltage potential.
Triboelectric
Triboelectric energy harvesting is a method of generating electrical power by using the static
electricity produced through the contact and separation of materials with different electrostatic
properties.
Electromagnetic
Electromagnetic energy harvesting is a technique that captures and converts ambient
electromagnetic radiation, such as radio frequency signals, into usable electrical energy for
powering electronic devices.
Solar energy
Solar energy harvesting is the process of capturing and converting sunlight into usable electrical
power or thermal energy for various applications.
Piezoelectric
Piezoelectric energy harvesting is a technique that converts mechanical vibrations or
deformations into electrical energy using materials that generate a voltage in response to applied
mechanical stress.
Piezoelectric materials find diverse applications across various industries. In electronics, they are
employed in sensors for pressure, acceleration, and force measurements. The medical field
utilizes piezoelectric materials in ultrasound transducers for imaging and therapeutic purposes. In
energy harvesting, these materials convert mechanical vibrations into electrical energy, powering
small electronic devices. Industrial sectors benefit from their use in precision actuators and
motors. Additionally, piezoelectric materials contribute to advancements in energy-efficient
devices, such as igniters in gas appliances. Their versatility extends to resonators in
telecommunications and acoustic devices. With ongoing research, piezoelectric materials
continue to made-up the way for innovative solutions in numerous technological domains.
The ferroelectric family of materials includes substances that exhibit ferroelectricity, a property
characterized by the spontaneous electric polarization that can be reversed by the application of
an external electric field. Common ferroelectric materials include perovskites like lead zirconate
titanate (PZT), barium titanate ( BaTi O3), and potassium niobate ( KNb O3). These materials find
applications in various technologies, such as piezoelectric devices, non-volatile memory, sensors,
actuators, and electro-optic modulators. Ferroelectric materials are integral to the development of
innovative electronic and electromechanical systems, contributing to advancements in fields like
telecommunications, medical imaging, and energy harvesting.
Mechanical Harvesting Techniques
Water flow energy
Water flow energy mechanical harvesting is a technique that captures and converts the kinetic
energy of flowing water into mechanical energy for various applications.
Human motion
Human motion mechanical energy harvesting is a technology that captures and converts the
kinetic energy generated by human movements into usable electrical power.
Wind energy
Wind energy is a mechanical energy harvesting technique that converts the kinetic energy from
moving air into electrical power through the use of wind turbines.
Railway tracks
Railway tracks mechanical energy harvesting is a technology that captures and converts the
mechanical energy generated by trains' motion on tracks into usable electrical energy for various
applications.
Highways
Highway mechanical energy harvesting is a technology that captures and converts kinetic energy
from vehicular motion on roadways into usable electrical power.
Energy output from the piezoelectric material or tiles is just micro amperes and few voltages.
Water can be cleaned by using the piezocatalytic phenomenon. And also, hydrogen can be
generate using the piezoelectric. Piezoelectric devices can be design for the shoes, tiles and
pavements roads and the small devices like wireless sensor networks and pacemakers. Recent
research focusing on human moments and motions using the piezoelectric tiles that is installed in
floors to generate the power from the human motion. Piezoelectric based tiles made with regular
ceramic and granite tiles. These piezoelectric tiles should be planed over the large area to make
the macro power generation.
Literature review: Based on methods of Power generation
Now a days, electricity is consumed in a large number and there is urgent need in producing
alternate renewable energy in human surroundings. This work aims to develop a piezoelectric
generator which can produce electricity from walking vibrations. Other than the method that is
proposed in this work, there are several other devices, techniques and ways that are used to
produce electricity by using piezoelectric. Some of these methods are described below:
Electrical Power Generation Using Piezoelectric Crystal
In this method electric power is generated by using Nickel Metal Hydride batteries of 40 & 80
mAhr to demonstrate power harvesting and both the batteries are connected in parallel with
actuators. With a frequency of 1.4Hz the charging of two 40 mAhr batteries took 3.09 hours and
two 80 mAhr batteries took 5.64 hours. With an individual actuator duration taken for charging
40 mAhr batteries is 16.1 hours and duration taken for charging 80 mAhr batteries is 22.7 hours.
On October 6, 2009, Heifer had done an experimental test with piezoelectric generator which
was placed in the Route 4 - old coastal road of Israel. In that experimental test the piezoelectric
generator produced electricity about 2,000 watt-hours. He done this experiment with a length of
ten-meter strip of asphalt with a generator and batteries setup placed in the road. But the
energetic and feasibility results do not reach the expected results from the first practical test. So,
they went to Israel and meet a Technician from a company of, for finish the pilot project. Dr.
Lucy Edery Azuela, Project manager from Innowattech explained about the generators which
was developed by them and embedded about five centimeters beneath the upper layer of asphalt.
Enlarging the project length to one kilometer in a single lane road could produce 200 KWh of
energy. So, the four lane highway roads could produce about MWh generating the electricity by
the way is sufficient to provide electricity over 2500 households.
Piezoelectric Power Generator from Vibration
In this, a device is designed that performs like an AC current generator when it vibrates
mechanically. The piezoelectric film undergoes cyclically between tensile and compressive
stress due to time-varying change in mechanical stress which results in a time-varying generated
the source of the AC current. An accelerator (SINOCERA CA-DR-1005) is attached to vibrator
spindle, so the vibration strength, acceleration, amplitude, or velocity, can be measured and the
strength signal is delivered to an output display unit, SINOCERA YE5932A vibrograph. At last,
voltage signal from the testing sample is monitored by an oscillograph (TEK tronix TDS3014B).
The resonance frequency is about 609 Hz and voltage signal value is 898 mV AC peak–peak
demonstrated by Oscillograph. So, between alternate extremes of maximum displacement,
piezoelectric layer oscillates. This shows the voltage output is Upeak-peak/2 = 449 mV under
maximum displacement. By increasing load its voltage increases, up to 898 mV at 112 kΩ. For
21.4 K resistance the expected peak point of the power is 2.16 mW. And at the 2.16 mW power
level, a 608-mV peak–peak AC voltage value is measured.
Literature Review: Based on Design of Piezoelectric
Various designs have been used to incorporate piezoelectric elements inside floor tiles for
mechanical to electrical energy conversion. These designs that are based on the type of
piezoelectric element used can broadly be classified into three main categories, namely
 Cantilever type harvester
 Curved type harvester
 Array/stacked type harvester
These are discussed in detail in the following subsections.
Cantilever type piezoelectric device
A cantilever-type piezoelectric device operates on the principle of the piezoelectric effect,
utilizing a cantilever beam and a piezoelectric material. The device consists of a cantilever beam,
a slender structure fixed at one end and free at the other, where external forces are applied.
The key component is the piezoelectric material, often lead zirconate titanate (PZT), integrated
into or attached to the cantilever beam. When the cantilever experiences mechanical stress or
deformation, the piezoelectric material undergoes a change in shape, leading to the piezoelectric
effect. As the piezoelectric material deforms, it generates an electric charge proportional to the
applied stress. This generated electric charge serves as an output voltage, measurable across
electrodes connected to the piezoelectric material.
Cantilever-type piezoelectric devices are widely applied in sensors and energy harvesting. In
sensing applications, these devices detect and quantify external forces or vibrations by measuring
the electric charge produced. In energy harvesting, the mechanical deformation of the cantilever
beam converts ambient vibrations or movements into electrical energy.
These devices are particularly prevalent in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and
nanotechnology due to their compact size and efficiency in converting mechanical energy into
electrical energy. Common uses include sensors for acceleration, pressure, and other physical
parameters, as well as energy harvesting devices for powering small electronic components. The
power density of cantilever type piezoelectric harvester was found to be 5773.35 μW/cm3 as
compared to 752.34 μW/cm3 of the triboelectric harvester.

Fig. Cantilever type piezoelectric device

Curved type piezoelectric device

The functionality of a curved-type piezoelectric device is rooted in the principles of the
piezoelectric effect, employing a curved structure and a piezoelectric material. This specialized
device comprises a curved substrate or beam, with the integration of a piezoelectric material like
lead zirconate titanate (PZT). The curvature of the structure is pivotal, enabling controlled
mechanical deformation in response to external forces or vibrations. As external influences act
on the curved structure, it undergoes a deliberate mechanical deformation, inducing stress on the
integrated piezoelectric material. This stress activates the piezoelectric effect within the material,
leading to a change in its shape and the generation of an electric charge. The magnitude of this
charge is proportionate to the degree of deformation, providing a measurable electrical output.
This output, in the form of electric charge, can be harnessed for various applications, including
sensing and energy harvesting. The curved-type piezoelectric devices are particularly
advantageous in scenarios where controlled deformation and efficient energy conversion are
critical, contributing to advancements in sensors, energy harvesting systems, and other
innovative applications. Based on the studies, simply supported boundary conditions with
concentrated load and a maximum allowable displacement of 0.614 mm were found to be the
optimum parameters for the tile packaging.

Fig. Curved type piezoelectric device

Array/stacked type piezoelectric device

An array or stacked-type energy harvester functions as a device designed to convert ambient
mechanical vibrations or movements into usable electrical energy. This harvester typically
consists of multiple piezoelectric elements arranged in an array or stacked configuration. Each
element comprises a piezoelectric material, such as lead zirconate titanate (PZT), which exhibits
the piezoelectric effect.
In operation, the array or stacked configuration enhances the overall energy conversion
efficiency by capturing vibrations from multiple directions or sources. When subjected to
mechanical stress or deformation caused by external forces or vibrations, the piezoelectric
elements undergo the piezoelectric effect, generating electric charges. These charges accumulate
across the array or stack, resulting in a higher overall output voltage compared to a single
element.
The array/stacked design allows for increased power generation, making it suitable for
applications where higher energy output is required. This type of energy harvester finds
applications in diverse fields, including wearable electronics, structural health monitoring, and
wireless sensor networks. The ability to efficiently capture and convert ambient mechanical
energy into electrical power makes array/stacked-type harvesters valuable for powering small
electronic devices and sensors in environments where traditional power sources may be
impractical or unavailable. These tiles were installed on stairs to power emergency lighting and
were able to generate up to 17.7 mJ of energy per activation, sufficient to turn on the light for
10.6 seconds.
 Fig. Array type piezoelectric device
Methods to store piezoelectric energy
There are three ways or methods to store electric energy generated through piezoelectric. These
methods are listed below:
 energy storage used a capacitor
 energy storage using super capacitors
 energy storage using a battery
Energy storage using a capacitor
The initial energy storage approach utilized a capacitor to store energy generated by a
piezoelectric material. The circuit, illustrated in Figure , was adapted from Kymissis et al.'s
(1998) design for a self-powered RF tag.Here's a simplified and expanded version.
In this energy storage system, a capacitor (C1) accumulates energy generated by a piezoelectric
material, following a circuit design inspired by Kymissis et al. (1998). The schematic, outlined in
Figure, has undergone modifications to suit the purpose of this study. The operational principle is
straightforward: the signal from the piezoelectric material undergoes full-wave rectification and
charges capacitor C1. Once C1 surpasses the voltage of the zener diode (set at 6.5 V in our case),
the capacitor discharges, activating BJT Q1 and triggering MOSFET Q2. This action pulls the
ground line down, enabling C1 to discharge through the circuit. A MAX666 chip from Maxim
Integrated Products, Inc. serves as a low-power series regulator, generating a +5 V DC signal as
C1 discharges. The stability of the output in frequencies above 10 Hz is ensured by a small
capacitor, C4. As C1 discharges below 4.5 V, the MAX666 emits a negative pulse, turning off
Q1. This allows C1 to recharge, initiating the cycle anew.
During the 'off' state, the circuit exhibits high impedance, facilitating rapid charging of C1. This
design optimizes the energy storage process for efficient utilization of piezoelectric energy.
Energy storage using super capacitors
A supercapacitor, true to its name, is an energy storage device that operates akin to a
rechargeable battery, capable of storing electrical energy. Unlike conventional capacitors with
two plates separated by a dielectric (where direct current can't flow), supercapacitors have two
identical layers separated by a thin insulator and bathed in an electrolyte. This distinction allows
them to store and release electrical energy efficiently. To delve into the specifics, supercapacitors
deviate from traditional capacitors by omitting dielectric materials. Instead, they employ two
identical layers, maintaining separation through a slim insulator while being immersed in an
electrolyte. This design choice enhances their performance and distinguishes them from their
counterparts.
For a deeper understanding, it's essential to note that when investigating the electrochemical
properties of supercapacitors, lower loads are preferable. This is because increased loads cause
the electrodes' thickness to expand, and issues like restricted ionic conductivity and voltage drop
due to electronic conductivity may arise. These challenges can impact performance, making it
crucial to study the inherent electrochemical properties under optimal conditions. Piezoelectric
devices offer a compelling avenue for harvesting mechanical energy and converting it into
electrical energy. These materials find applications in sensors, semiconductors, supercapacitors,
and more. They play a pivotal role in various technologies by harnessing mechanical energy and
transforming it into valuable electrical power, showcasing the versatility and importance of
piezoelectric materials in diverse fields.
Energy storage using a battery
The third method of power storage used was a circuit that charged a nickel metal hydride button
cell battery. Nickel metal hydride batteries were chosen because they have a high charge density
and unlike the lithium ion batteries, they do not require any type of charge controller or voltage
regulator to be incorporated into the circuitry. The circuit constructed to charge the battery
consisted of a full wave rectifier, capacitor, and a battery intended to be charged, as shown in
Figure. The voltage produced by the PZT was first full wave rectified then accumulated in a
large capacitor, typically greater than 1000 mF, followed by the battery intended to be charged,
which was placed in parallel with the capacitor. The simplicity of this circuit allows it to be
constructed very compactly and without additional components that would result in additional
power dissipation, the circuit used is shown in Figure.
Sample calculations
Waynergy Company Tile
Given modes of operation for the PZT-5A material
−3
g33=23.2∗10 V .m/ N
Area of one tile is = A=0.40∗0.40=0.16 m2
Displaced distance or deformation ¿ d=0.005 m
Force=F=mg
¿ 60∗9.81
¿ 588.6 N
F
Stress=σ =
A
588.6
¿
0.16
−2
¿ 3678.75 N m
Voltage=g33 . d . σ
¿ ( 23.2∗10−3 ) ( 0.005 ) ( 3678.75 )
¿ 0.4267 V
1 2 2
Power= .C . g 33 . σ .V
2
C=( l . w . K T3 ) ( 4.45 .t )
C=( 0.4∗0.4∗1800 )( 4.45∗0.005 )
3
C=6.408 m
1 −3 2 2
Power= ∗6.408∗(23.2∗10 ) ∗3678.75∗0.4267
2
P=1.155 watt
This power generated by per step
Given modes of operation for the PZT-5J material
−3
g33=21.3∗10 V . m/ N
Area of one tile is = A=0.40∗0.40=0.16 m2
Displaced distance or deformation ¿ d=0.005 m
Force=F=mg
¿ 60∗9.81
¿ 588.6 N
F
Stress=σ =
A
588.6
¿
0.16
−2
¿ 3678.75 N m
Voltage=g33 . d . σ
¿ ( 21.3∗10−3 ) ( 0.005 )( 3678.75 )
 ¿ 0.3917 V
1 2 2
Power= .C . g 33 . σ .V
2
C=( l . w . K T3 ) ( 4.45 .t )
C=( 0.4∗0.4∗2100 ) ( 4.45∗0.005 )
3
C=7.476 m
1 −3 2 2
Power= ∗7.476∗(21.3∗10 ) ∗3678.75∗0.3917
2
P=0.958 watt
This power generated by per step
Given modes of operation for the PZT-5H material
−3
g33=19.0∗10 V . m/ N
Area of one tile is = A=0.40∗0.40=0.16 m2
Displaced distance or deformation ¿ d=0.005 m
Force=F=mg
¿ 60∗9.81
¿ 588.6 N
F
Stress=σ =
A
588.6
¿
0.16
−2
¿ 3678.75 N m
Voltage=g33 . d . σ
¿ ( 19.0∗10−3 ) ( 0.005 )( 3678.75 )
¿ 0. 3494 V
1 2 2
Power= .C . g 33 . σ .V
2
C=( l . w . K T3 ) ( 4.45 .t )
C=( 0.4∗0.4∗3800 )( 4.45∗0.005 )
3
C=13.528 m
1 −3 2 2
Power= ∗13.528∗(19∗10 ) ∗3678.75∗0.3494
2
P=1.0971 watt
This power generated by per step
Energy Floors Company Tile
Given modes of operation for the PZT-5A material
−3
g33=23.2∗10 V .m/ N
Area of one tile is = A=0.60∗0.60=0.36 m2
Displaced distance or deformation ¿ d=0.005 m
Force=F=mg
¿ 60∗9.81
 ¿ 588.6 N
F
Stress=σ =
A
588.6
¿
0.36
−2
¿ 1635.00 N m
Voltage=g33 . d . σ
¿ ( 23.2∗10−3 ) ( 0.005 ) ( 1635.00 )
¿ 0.1896 V
1 2 2
Power= .C . g 33 . σ .V
2
C=( l . w . K T3 ) ( 4.45 .t )
C=( 0.6∗0.6∗1800 ) ( 4.45∗0.005 )
3
C=14.418 m
1 −3 2 2
Power= ∗14.418∗(23.2∗10 ) ∗1635∗0.1896
2
P=0.2282 watt
This power generated by per step
Given modes of operation for the PZT-5J material
−3
g33=21.3∗10 V . m/ N
Area of one tile is = A=0.60∗0.60=0.36 m2
Displaced distance or deformation ¿ d=0.005 m
Force=F=mg
¿ 60∗9.81
¿ 588.6 N
F
Stress=σ =
A
588.6
¿
0.36
−2
¿ 1635.00 N m
Voltage=g33 . d . σ
¿ ( 21.3∗10−3 ) ( 0.005 )( 1635.00 )
¿ 0.1741 V
1 2 2
Power= .C . g 33 . σ .V
2
C=( l . w . K T3 ) ( 4.45 .t )
C=( 0.6∗0.6∗2100 ) ( 4.45∗0.005 )
3
C=16.821 m
1 −3 2 2
Power= ∗16.821∗(23.2∗10 ) ∗1635∗0.1741
2
P=0.189 watt
This power generated by per step
Given modes of operation for the PZT-5H material
−3
g33=19.0∗10 V . m/ N
Area of one tile is = A=0.60∗0.60=0.36 m2
Displaced distance or deformation ¿ d=0.005 m
Force=F=mg
¿ 60∗9.81
¿ 588.6 N
F
Stress=σ =
A
588.6
¿
0.36
−2
¿ 1635.00 N m
Voltage=g33 . d . σ
¿ ( 19.0∗10−3 ) ( 0.005 )( 1635.00 )
¿ 0.1553 V
1 2 2
Power= .C . g 33 . σ .V
2
C=( l . w . K T3 ) ( 4.45 .t )
C=( 0.6∗0.6∗3800 ) ( 4.45∗0.005 )
3
C=30.438 m
1 −3 2 2
Power= ∗30.438∗(19∗10 ) ∗1635∗0.1553
2
P=0.217 watt
This power generated by per step
Results
Waynergy Company Tile
Table 1
Material PZT-5A
Weight force area Mechanical stress voltage power

60 588.6 0.16 3678.75 0.4267 0.4267

65 637.65 0.16 3985.31 0.4623 0.4623
70 686.7 0.16 4291.88 0.4979 0.4979
75 735.75 0.16 4598.44 0.5334 0.5334
80 784.8 0.16 4905.00 0.5690 0.5690

Table 2
Material PZT-5J
weight force area Mechanical stress voltage power
 60 588.6 0.16 3678.75 0.39179 0.958
65 637.65 0.16 3985.31 0.42444 1.218
70 686.7 0.16 4291.88 0.45708 1.521
75 735.75 0.16 4598.44 0.48973 1.870
80 784.8 0.16 4905.00 0.52238 2.270

Table 3
Material PZT-5H
weight force area Mechanical stress voltage power

60 588.6 0.16 3678.75 0.34948 1.097132

65 637.65 0.16 3985.31 0.37860 1.394907
70 686.7 0.16 4291.88 0.40773 1.742205
75 735.75 0.16 4598.44 0.43685 2.142836
80 784.8 0.16 4905.00 0.46598 2.600609

Energy Floors Company Tile

Table 1
Material PZT-5A
weight force area Mechanical stress voltage power

60 588.6 0.36 1635.00 0.1897 0.2282

65 637.65 0.36 1771.25 0.2055 0.2901
70 686.7 0.36 1907.50 0.2213 0.3624
75 735.75 0.36 2043.75 0.2371 0.4457
80 784.8 0.36 2180.00 0.2529 0.5409

Table 2
Material PZT-5J
weight force area Mechanical stress voltage power

60 588.6 0.36 1635.00 0.17413 0.1892

65 637.65 0.36 1771.25 0.18864 0.2405
70 686.7 0.36 1907.50 0.20315 0.3004
75 735.75 0.36 2043.75 0.21766 0.3695
80 784.8 0.36 2180.00 0.23217 0.4484

Table 3
Material PZT-5H
weight force area Mechanical stress voltage power

60 588.6 0.36 1635.00 0.1553 0.2167

 65 637.65 0.36 1771.25 0.1683 0.2755
70 686.7 0.36 1907.50 0.1812 0.3441
75 735.75 0.36 2043.75 0.1942 0.4233
80 784.8 0.36 2180.00 0.2071 0.5137

Discussion
Conclusion
References