ADDIS ABABA UNIVERSITY

ADDIS ABABA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

SCHOOL OF MECHANICAL AND INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Foot Step Power Generation Using Piezoelectric Sensor

Submitted By: - Abdurazak Hamid
ID: GSE/XXX/09
Submitted to: Wondwosen (PhD)
Executive summery
This project is all about the generation of electrical energy through non-conventional way when
people walks on Floor there some forces exerts these forces usually wastes during the walking.
The general of idea the project is to convert mechanical energy of footsteps that is exerted by
person during walking into electrical energy by using piezoelectric transducers that is known as
“Foot step power Generation System”.
The footstep power generation technique through piezoelectric sensors produces electrical force
by changing mechanical energy of the development of individuals on the floor to electrical energy.
The benefits of piezoelectric force generation framework are that it is sheltered and secure to
utilize, it doesn't make any issue or distress for the general population strolling through footpath,
and it is absolutely chance free strategy.
Table of Contents
Executive summery ....................................................................................................................................... 2
1. Introduction ........................................................................................................................................... 4
1.1 Background of the study ..................................................................................................................... 4
1.1. 2. Components of Foot Step Power Generation ................................................................................. 5
2. Statement of the problem ........................................................................................................................ 13
3. Objective ................................................................................................................................................. 14
3.1 Main objective .................................................................................................................................. 14
3.2 Specific objective .............................................................................................................................. 14
5. Methodology ................................................................................................................................... 16
7. Conclusion ...................................................................................................................................... 18
8. Reference ........................................................................................................................................ 19
1. Introduction
1.1 Background of the study

Man has needed and used energy at an increasing rate for his sustenance and wellbeing ever since
he came on the earth a few million years ago. Due to this a lot of energy sources have been
exhausted and wasted. So, non-conventional energy is very essential at this time to our nation. [1]
Non-conventional energy system is very essential at this time to our nation. A transducer can be
anything which converts one form of energy to another. Piezoelectric material is one kind of
transducers. We squeeze this material or we apply force or pressure on this material to converts it
into electric voltage and this voltage is function of the force or pressure applied to it. [2]
Energy harvesting also known as power harvesting or energy scavenging is the process by which
energy is derived from external sources e.g. solar power, thermal energy, wind energy, salinity
gradients, and kinetic energy, captured, and stored for small, wireless autonomous devices, like
those used in wearable electronics and wireless sensor networks. Energy harvesters provide a very
small amount of power for low energy electronics. [3]
The material which behaves in such a way is also known as piezoelectric sensor. The electric
voltage produced by piezoelectric transducer can be easily measured by voltage measuring
instruments, which can be used to measure stresses or forces. The physical quantity like
mechanical stress or force cannot be measured directly. Therefore, piezoelectric transducer can be
used. [2]

"An average person, weighing 60 kg, will generate only 0.1 watt in the single second required to
take two steps across the tile," said Yoshiaki Takuya, a planner with Sound Power Corp. "But
when they are covering a large area of floor space and thousands of people are stepping or jumping
on them, then we can generate significant amounts of power. "Stored in capacitors, the power can
be channeled to energy-hungry parts of the station, he said, including the electrical lighting system
and the ticket gates. [3]
1.1. 2. Components of Foot Step Power Generation
The components of foot step power generation piezoelectric systems are:

 Piezoelectric Sensor
 Battery
 A.C. ripple neutralizer
 Rectifier
 Unidirectional current controller
 Voltage regulator
 Microcontroller
 ADC
 Inverter

A. piezoelectric Sensor

A sensor is a device that measures a physical quantity and converts it into a signal which can be
read by an observer or by an instrument. For example, mercury converts the measured temperature
into expansion and contraction of a liquid which can be read on a calibrated glass tube. At
thermocouple converts temperature to an output voltage which can be read by a voltmeter. For
accuracy, most sensors are calibrated against known standards.

A piezoelectric sensor is a device that uses the piezoelectric effect to measure pressure,
acceleration strain or force by converting them to an electrical signal.

Piezoelectric sensors have proven to be versatile tools for the measurement of various processes.
They are used for quality assurance, process control and for research and development in many
different industries it was only in the 1950s that the piezoelectric effect started to be used for
industrial sensing applications. Since then, this measuring principle has been increasingly used
and can be regarded as a mature technology with an outstanding inherent reliability. It has been
successfully used in various applications, such as in medical, aerospace, nuclear instrumentation,
and as a pressure sensor in the touch pads of mobile phones. In the automotive industry,
piezoelectric elements are used to monitor combustion when developing internal combustion
engines. [5]
 Fig
The piezoelectric transducers work on the principle of piezoelectric effect to measure changes in
displacement, force, pressure, strain and acceleration converting them to electric charge. The effect
is reversible when the voltage is applied to them, they tend to change the dimensions of the
piezoelectric material. It has been successfully used in various applications, such as in medical,
aerospace, nuclear instrumentation, and as a pressure sensor in the touch pads of mobile phones.
In the automotive [4]
B. Battery
Battery (electricity), an array of electrochemical cells for electricity storage, either individually
linked or individually linked and housed in a single unit. An electrical battery is a combination of
one or more electrochemical cells, used to convert stored chemical energy into electrical energy.
Batteries may be used once and discarded, or recharged for years as in standby power applications.
Miniature cells are used to power devices such as hearing aids and wristwatches; larger batteries
provide standby power for telephone exchanges or computer data centers. [4]

A rechargeable battery or storage battery is a group of one or more electrochemical cells. They are
known as secondary cells because their electrochemical reactions are electrically reversible.
Rechargeable batteries have lower total cost of use and environmental impact than disposable
batteries. Some rechargeable battery types are available in the same sizes as disposable types.
Rechargeable batteries have higher initial cost, but can be recharged very cheaply and used many
times. [6]

Battery Connections

Lead-acid batteries are normally available in blocks of 2V, 6V or 12V. In most cases, to generate the
necessary operating voltage and the capacity of the batteries for the Solar Inverter, many batteries have
to be connected together in parallel and/or in series.

Fig fig

C. A.C. ripple neutralizer

Capacitive filter is used in this project. It removes the ripples from the output of rectifier and smoothens
the D.C. Output received from this filter is constant until the mains voltage and load is maintained
constant. However, if either of the two is varied, D.C. voltage received at this point changes. Therefore
a regulator is applied at the output stage.

D. RECTIFIER
The output from the transformer is fed to the rectifier. It converts A.C. into pulsating D.C. The rectifier
may be a half wave or a full wave rectifier. In this project, a bridge rectifier is used because of its merits
like good stability and full wave rectification.

The Bridge rectifier is a circuit, which converts an A.C voltage to D.C voltage using both half
cycles of the input AC voltage. The circuit has four diodes connected to form a bridge. The ac
input voltage is applied to the diagonally opposite ends of the bridge. The load resistance is
connected between the other two ends of the bridge. The Bridge rectifier circuit is shown in the
figure. [7]

Fig
For the positive half cycle of the input ac voltage, diodes D1 and D3 conduct, whereas diodes D2
and D4 remain in the OFF state. The conducting diodes will be in series with the load resistance
RL and hence the load current flows through RL. [7]

For the negative half cycle of the input ac voltage, diodes D2 and D4 conduct whereas, D1 and D3
remain OFF. The conducting diodes D2 and D4 will be in series with the load resistance RL and
hence the current flows through RL in the same direction as in the previous half cycle. Thus a bi-
directional wave is converted into a unidirectional wave [7]

E. Unidirectional current controller

As the name indicates this circuit allows only one direction current flowing. There following devices
are allow on unidirectional current.

a) Diode

b) Thyristors
In this Foot Step Power generation using Piezoelectric project uses diode as Unidirectional Current
control device. Blocking current in the opposite direction (the reverse direction). Thus, the diode
can be thought of as an electronic version of a check valve. [8]
 F. Voltage regulator
A regulator power supply is very much essential for several electronic devices due to
semiconductor material employed in them. They have a fixed rate of current as well as voltage.
ICs regulator is mainly used in circuit to maintain the exact voltage which is followed by power
supply.

In this project, power supply of 5V and 12V are required. In order to obtain these voltage levels 7805
voltage regulators to be used. The first number 78 represents positive supply and the numbers 05
represent the required output voltage levels. These regulators can provide local on-card regulation,
eliminating the distribution problems associated with single point regulation. Each type employs
internal current limiting, thermal shut-down and safe area protection, making it essentially
indestructible. [8]
 G. Microcontroller

In this project we are going to use the Microcontroller AT89S52. The Pin diagram and Features of
AT89S52 are as follow. [9]

Specifications of microcontroller

 ROM -------------------------8k bytes

 RAM --------------------------256 bytes
 Timer ------------------------3
 I/O pins ----------------------32
 Serial port -----------------------1
 Interrupt source ------------------ 8

Pin Diagram of microcontroller

The pin diagram of microcontroller is shown in the figure bellow

H. ADC (Analog to digital converter)

An analog-to-digital converter (abbreviated ADC, A/D or A to D) is a device that converts a
continuous quantity to a discrete time digital representation. An ADC may also provide an isolated
measurement. The reverse operation is performed by a digital-to-analog converter (DAC).
Typically, an ADC is an electronic device that converts an input analog voltage or current to a
digital number proportional to the magnitude of the voltage or current. However, some non-
electronic or only partially electronic devices, such as rotary encoders, can also be considered
ADCs.
Specification of ADCs

Resolution 8 Bits

Total Unadjusted Error ±½ LSB and ±1 LSB

Single Supply 5 V DC

Low Power 15 mW

Conversion Time 100 μs

Pin Diagram of ADCs

 I. Inverter
An inverter is an electrical device that converts direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC); the
converted AC can be at any required voltage and frequency with the use of appropriate
transformers, switching, and control circuits. Solid-state inverters have no moving parts and are
used in a wide range of applications, from small switching power supplies in computers, to large
electric utility high-voltage direct current applications that transport bulk power. Inverters are
commonly used to supply AC power from DC sources such as solar panels or batteries.

There are two main types of inverter. The output of a modified sine wave inverter is similar to a
square wave output except that the output goes to zero volts for a time before switching positive
or negative. It is simple and low cost and is compatible with most electronic devices, except for
sensitive or specialized equipment.

A pure sine wave inverter produces a nearly perfect sine wave output (<3% total harmonic distortion) that
is essentially the same as utility-supplied grid power. Thus, it is compatible with all AC electronic devices.
This is the type used in grid-tie inverters. Its design is more complex, and costs 5 or 10 times more per unit
power.
The electrical inverter is a high-power electronic oscillator. It is so named because early mechanical
AC to DC converters was made to work in reverse, and thus were "inverted", to convert DC to AC.
The inverter performs the opposite function of a rectifier. [8]

J. Voltage sampler (sample &hold circuit)

Sample-and-hold (S/H) is an important analog building block with many applications, including
analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) and switched-capacitor filters. The function of the S/H circuit is
to sample an analog input signal and hold this value over a certain length of time for subsequent
processing.

Fig
2. Statement of the problem
Nowadays energy and power are the main problems in developing country while increasing the
population and industries. As the demand of energy is increasing from time to time, so the ultimate
solution to deal with these sorts of problems is just to implement the renewable sources of energy
and it protects environment pollutions.
In Addis Ababa institute of Technology power is fluctuated so many times, due to this problem
just to implement the foot step power generation using Piezoelectric sensors in the main gate.
3. Objective
3.1 Main objective
The main objective of this project is to design foot steep power generation using Piezoelectric
sensors.
3.2 Specific objective
 To select Piezoelectric Sensor
 To select battery
 To select A.C. ripple neutralizer
 To select rectifier
 To select unidirectional current controller
 To select voltage regulator
 To select microcontroller
 To select ADC
 To select inverter
Literature review
Earlier various researchers had work on the conversion of dynamic energy to electrical by human
locomotion Jeff Krupen-kin and Ashley Taylor proposed a new technique called re-verse electro-
wetting in which motion of conductive liquid on dielectric coated conductive substrate causes to
create electric-al energy so whenever there is any vibration on the upper plate due to human
locomotion or by any mean could result in producing electrical energy. [10]
They installed the special flooring tiles on the Tokyo japan busiest stations and observe that an
average person weighting 60 kg can generate 0.1 watt in single second. A similar approach with
different mechanism for generation of electricity from footstep is proposed by Tom jose V. He
used rick and pinion gear system with dynamo fitting with its gear mechanism. In this project a
gear system is attached with flywheel which causes to rotate the dynamo as the tile on the deck is
pressed The power that is created is saved in the batteries In addition we will be able to monitor
and control the amount of electrici-ty generated. [6]
Rajesh Kumar Datta,Sazid Rahman,(2014). "Power Generating Slabs: Lost energy conversion of
human locomotive force into electrical energy", In this project we are doing generation of power
by walking or running. Power can be generated by walking on the stairs. The generated power
will be stored and then we can use it for domestic purpose. [4]
Zhu and Worthington used the CPC-FEM to perform a design study of the Piezoelectric EHD
(PEHD), which is a cantilever sandwich structure with a seismic mass attached to the tip, for
gaining an understanding of the influence of the geometric parameters on the electric output
performance of the device. The authors also established a simplified analytical model of
Piezoelectric EHD. [11]
 4. Methodology

When the piezoelectric sensor is stressed it produces the variable DC voltage it is converted into
pure DC voltage by using rectifier. The pure DC voltage is stored in battery with the unidirectional
current controller to prevent back flow of current to sensors. The DC-DC boost converter is used
to improve the voltage it step up the voltage and it is connected to inverter. The inverter is used to
change or convert the Direct current (DC) to Alternating Current (AC) output with the load
connected to it. The Driver circuit is used to turn on MOSFET by giving the gate pulse. The PIC
is used to control the voltage and to give digital signal for LCD display which is connected to the
PIC for displaying the output voltage. The pulses are programmed in the PIC controller.
 5. Mathematical analysis and result

As we know the pressure is directly proportional to amount of power generated

P α Wt
Here we take the constant of proportionality as Қ, then the equation becomes

P = Қ Wt
Where,
Қ = Constant of proportionality
Wt = weight
P = power

We know that for wt=50kg, we get the value of voltage V=4v and I =0.015A Then
P=V*I=4*0.015=0.06w, means we can say that for 50kg we get power
(P) =0.06w
From this we can find the value of Қ
Қ=P/wt=0.06/50=0.0012
Results
The output power is directly proportional to the pressure applied. No constant output is seen unless
a high frequency of stepping on it and off it is present. It has certain dis-advantages of
heavyweights or loads. When the area of the cells are increased
the power output is also increased.
 6. Conclusion

For the utilization of waste energy of foot power with human locomotion is very much relevant
and important for highly populated countries like Ethiopia. The whole human/ bio-energy being
wasted if can be made possible for utilization, it will be great invention and crowd energy farms
will be very useful energy sources in crowded countries.
7. Reference
1. Jitha Varghese and Paul Karikottil “Footstep Power generation using Piezoelectric Sensors”
scientific journal impact factor - 3.605 by sjif e- issn: 2456 – 2084
2. S. Roundy, P. K. Wright and J. M. Rabaey, “Energy Scavenging for Wireless Sensor Networks”
With Special Focus on Vibrations. Springer, 2004.
3. Marshiana. D, Elizabeth Sherine. M, Sunitha. N, Vinothkumar. C “Footstep Power production
using Piezoelectric Sensors” Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology · July 2016
4. Rajesh Kumar Datta,Sazid Rahman,(2014). "Power Generating Slabs: Lost energy conversion of
human locomotive force into electrical energy" IEEE 8th International Conference on Electrical
and Computer Engineering, Dec. 2014.
5. IEEE Standard on Piezoelectricity, Standards Committee of the IEEE Ultrasonic’s,
Ferroelectrics, and Frequency Control Society, ANSI/IEEE Std 176-1987 (1988).
6. Tom Jose V, Binoy Boban, Sijo M T, “Electricity Generation from foot steps; A generative Energy
Resources” International Journal of Scien tific and research publication, pp 1-3, March 2013
7. Anil Kumar, International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research Volume 2, Issue 5, May-
2011 ISSN 2229-5518.
8. Man-Sang, Faculty of Science, Art and Heritage, University Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, 86400
Parit Raja, Batu Pahat, Johor, Malaysia.
9. Jedol Dayou, School of Science and Technology, University Malaysia Sabah, 88999 Kota
Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.
10. Tom krupenkin and J. Ashley Taylor ”Reverse electrowetting as a new approach to high power
energy harvesting” Nature Communication, pp 1-7, August 2011.
11. M. Zhu, & E. Worthington, “Design study of piezoelectric energy harvesting devices for
higher electrical power output using acoupled piezoelectric-circuit finite element method”,
IEEE Transactions on Ultrasonics Ferroelectrics and Frequency Control,in review.