How to make a Piezoelectric Generator?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the construction and functionality of piezoelectric generators, exploring both theoretical and practical aspects of the piezoelectric effect. Participants seek guidance on how to create such generators and discuss various applications and principles involved.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests step-by-step instructions for building a piezoelectric generator.
  • Another suggests initial steps involving inventorying devices and determining droplet sizes for capillary use, indicating a methodical approach.
  • Some participants propose contemporary applications of piezoelectric generators, such as in shoe heels for charging devices while walking.
  • There is a discussion about the nature of piezoelectric generation, with one participant questioning the understanding of piezoelectrics by another.
  • Concerns are raised about the efficiency of quartz in generating electricity under constant compression, with questions about voltage generation and leakage.
  • One participant clarifies that voltage generation is related to the deformation of the crystal rather than just pressure, stating that constant deformation does not produce voltage.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the mechanics of piezoelectric generation, particularly regarding the effects of constant pressure versus deformation. There is no consensus on the best approach to building a piezoelectric generator or the specifics of its operation.

Contextual Notes

Some statements regarding the behavior of piezoelectric materials depend on specific conditions, such as the surrounding environment and the nature of the applied stress. The discussion includes various assumptions about the materials and methods involved in piezoelectric generation.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for individuals interested in experimental physics, engineering applications of piezoelectric materials, and those looking to build energy harvesting devices.

Kalrag
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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?
 
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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.
 
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. :smile:

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

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.
 
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...
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Can quartz keep generating electricity if the compression is constant or do you get leakage this way?
 
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
 
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.
 
Got it! Thank you.
 

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