Piezo crystals are special types of crystals that can generate an electric current when mechanical stress is applied to them. This phenomenon is known as the piezoelectric effect. When the crystal is compressed or distorted, the positive and negative charges in the crystal become unbalanced, creating a flow of electricity.
Piezo crystals are often used in devices called piezoelectric generators. These generators use the piezoelectric effect to convert mechanical energy, such as vibrations or pressure, into electrical energy. This energy can then be stored or used to power electronic devices.
Piezo crystals are commonly used in devices such as ultrasound machines, sonar technology, and microphones. They are also used in energy harvesting systems, where they can convert ambient vibrations into usable electricity for low-power devices.
The efficiency of piezo crystals in generating current depends on various factors such as the type of crystal, the amount of mechanical stress applied, and the design of the device using the crystal. Generally, piezo crystals have a conversion efficiency of around 20-30%, which is relatively high compared to other energy harvesting technologies.
One limitation of piezo crystals is that they can only generate a small amount of current, making them unsuitable for powering high-energy devices. They also require a constant source of mechanical stress to produce a continuous flow of electricity. Additionally, piezo crystals can be sensitive to temperature changes and may require specialized materials for certain applications.