Piezoelectric Energy Harvester Project

[JMack23]

I am undertaking a project to design a piezoelectric ramp (small scale model) to generate power when force is exerted upon it. The project is simply proof of concept but in principle I thought a piezoelectric ceramic (PZT) aligned vertically with a hinged ramp exerting the force on the Piezomaterial (similar to orienting a piece of piezoceramic near the hinge of a door then closing the door causing the Piezoceramic to deform and so produce voltage.

Since these materials seem prohibitively expensive at the larger dimensions that would allow this to generate useable power, my scale model is going to be very small indeed (around 4cm x 2cm seems to be what i can get for 200USD) I am hoping to store the energy in capacitors which when filled will charge a battery.

I am not too interested in the ultimate design or anything for this project, I just need to demonstrate the principle of force being converted to voltage and ideally storing it somehow. There is surprisingly little information online so far, but it is an idea that interests me a lot.

Does anyone have any pointers or experience in endeavours of this type, are there any glaring mistakes in my assumptions, thanks in advance!

 

[Mech_Engineer]

Keep in mind that a piezoelectric element can't gather a constant stream of energy from a constant force- the force must be varying in time, sinusoidally for example.

 

[oswaler]

I am excited to hear about your project to design a piezoelectric ramp for energy harvesting. Piezoelectric materials have been used for energy harvesting in various applications, but it is always important to consider the feasibility and scalability of the project.

Firstly, I would suggest researching the properties and capabilities of different piezoelectric materials, not just PZT, to find the most suitable one for your project. While PZT may be the most commonly used piezoelectric material, there may be others that are more cost-effective and efficient for your specific application.

Secondly, it is important to consider the amount of force that will be exerted on the ramp and the resulting voltage output. This will help determine the size and number of piezoelectric elements needed for your design. Additionally, you may want to look into ways to amplify the force being applied to the ramp, such as using a lever system, to increase the voltage output.

In terms of cost, it is important to find a balance between the size and cost of the materials. While larger piezoelectric elements may be more expensive, they may also produce more energy and make the project more feasible in the long run.

I would also recommend considering the environmental factors that may affect your project, such as temperature and humidity, as this can impact the performance of piezoelectric materials.

Lastly, as you mentioned, storing the energy in capacitors and then using it to charge a battery is a good approach. However, you may also want to consider using a power management system to optimize the energy conversion and storage process.

Overall, I am intrigued by your project and I believe it has great potential. I would suggest consulting with experts in the field and conducting thorough research to ensure the success of your project. Good luck!