Ashwath Saravanan

How does the mass and dimensions of applied weight affect the voltage outputted using piezoelectric tiles?

Started May 28, 2024

Abstract or project description

Our increased reliance on the electric grid causes susceptibility to cyber attacks, power outages, and environmental impacts. This research explores the application of piezoelectricity as an energy harvesting [1] source to power lighting systems. A piezo [2] tile was developed to convert mechanical stress into an electric voltage using a piezo disk, an electrolytic capacitor, a boost converter module, an LCD display, and an LED light. By connecting the components to an Arduino Uno and programming it to read the VO [3] (via Arduino IDE), I established a threshold for activating the LED based on the VO. With the device, I conducted two experiments: the first analyzed the VO in response to increasing dumbbell weights applied to the tile’s center, whereas the second focused on the effects of the displacement of a fixed weight away from the tile’s center. The first experiment’s results indicate a directly proportional relationship between the variables, with low σ [4] & error bars establishing high consistency in the data. Conversely, the weight’s displacement and the VO were inversely proportional, supported by similarly low variability in the data. The findings in this study validate the device’s effectiveness as a functional energy harvesting solution for powering lights. While the device operates on a smaller scale, the fundamental ideas of piezoelectricity that are exhibited holds potential for larger-scaled applications in the future if further research and materials are developed. Yet, the project itself showcases a strong pathway for reducing the demand on our electric grid and promoting sustainable energy harvesting solutions.

[1] Energy Harvesting - A process where energy is seized from a system’s environment & converted into usable electric energy [2] Piezo: Piezoelectricity - The phenomenon in which an electric charge accumulates in certain solid materials, most notably crystals, in response to applied mechanical stress (such as vibrations) [3] VO: Voltage Outputted/Produced from the piezoelectric tile [4] σ: Standard Deviation