How to make a Piezoelectric Generator?

[Kalrag]

Recently I have learned of the Piezoelectric effect. I have seen several videos where people have made small generators using this effect. Can anyone give me step-by-step inscutions o point me in the right direction?

 

[Chuck88]

The first step is to make a list, on which you could list all of the devices you have.
The second step is to have a rough idea about the average size of the droplets you plan to generate. This thing determines the inner diamter of the capillaries you are going to use.
After these two steps, please add the information you collected to the thread and I will instruct you to go further.

 

[NascentOxygen]

I think Chuck88 is thinking of something other than piezoelectrics?

A contemporary application of piezoelectric generation is to build one into the heel of a shoe, so as you walk it charges the battery in your iPod.

There is a piezoelectric generator of sorts in some cigarette lighters and most gas ring lighters.

 

[Chuck88]

I think Chuck88 is thinking of something other than piezoelectrics?

A contemporary application of piezoelectric generation is to build one into the heel of a shoe, so as you walk it charges the battery in your iPod.

There is a piezoelectric generator of sorts in some cigarette lighters and most gas ring lighters.

Maybe you are right. I am major in mechanics and I mainly focus on the methanics part when I am solving the problems.

 

[Bobbywhy]

Use Google and the search terms "piezoelectric energy harvesting" to find out what others have already done:

http://artfuldodger.hubpages.com/hub/Piezoelectric-Energy-Harvesting

plus lots more...

 

[phanie12.geo]

Can quartz keep generating electricity if the compression is constant or do you get leakage this way?

 

[Bobbywhy]

Quartz (and other piezoelectric crystals) produce a voltage which remains fairly constant as long as the stress applied to the crystal is applied. The voltage produced is measured from one side of the material to the other. Of course, if the surrounding environment is conductive, forget any voltage generation. If the crystal is surrounded by some resistive material, then the charge would bleed off. Do not expect to generate lots of power from this process. For a great introduction to the process plus a movie of the action of a disc deformation vs voltage see:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piezoelectricity

 

[Fischer777]

It isn't so much the pressure as it is the deformation of the crystal. As long as the crystal continues to be deformed, a voltage across the surface will be generated. If the pressure is constant (ie it is deformed to an extent, and held that way), then no voltage will be generated.

 

[phanie12.geo]

Got it! Thank you.