Energy Harvesting using Piezo-electric sensors and making a low-power DC charging system.

Summary

This video presentation outlines a final year project focused on energy harvesting using piezoelectric sensors to create a low power DC charging system. Guided by Professor Kandaba Kumar Sharma, the project addresses the urgent need for sustainable energy by converting mechanical stress from daily activities, like walking, into usable power. Key components include a series-parallel sensor arrangement, full wave rectification, and a user authentication system using Arduino. The project aims to contribute to a greener environment by efficiently charging low-powered electronic devices and suggests future enhancements for improved output and durability.

Takeaways

• 🌍 The project focuses on energy harvesting from daily activities, particularly using piezoelectric sensors to generate power from footsteps.
• ⚡ Aimed at sustainable energy solutions, the project addresses the depletion of non-renewable resources.
• 📊 The project methodology is divided into six stages, incorporating a literature review and detailed system design.
• 🔌 A series-parallel combination of piezo sensors was chosen for optimal voltage and current output in the charging system.
• 🔄 The AC output from the piezo sensors is converted to DC using a bridge rectifier for efficient energy utilization.
• 📈 Voltage multipliers are implemented to enhance output voltage, ensuring compatibility with common charging requirements.
• 🔧 A pi filter circuit is utilized to reduce ripples in the DC output, improving the stability of the charging system.
• 🔒 An Arduino-based user authentication system allows controlled access to the charging port, enhancing security.
• 📉 Simulations demonstrate the effectiveness of the system, showcasing voltage comparisons and the authentication process.
• 🔮 Future work includes enhancing sensor durability and scaling the design for broader applications, contributing to greener energy solutions.

Q & A

What is the primary objective of the project presented?

The primary objective is to design a footstep power generation system using piezoelectric sensors to harness energy from daily activities.

Why is there a need for sustainable energy solutions?

Sustainable energy solutions are needed because non-renewable resources are depleting rapidly due to overconsumption and lack of consideration for future needs.

How do piezoelectric sensors work in this project?

Piezoelectric sensors convert mechanical stress from activities like walking into electrical energy, which can then be harvested and used.

What was the selected arrangement for the piezo sensors and why?

A series-parallel combination was chosen because it balances both current and voltage, and prevents circuit failure if one sensor is damaged.

What type of rectifier was used in the project and why?

A bridge rectifier was used because it has higher efficiency than a half-wave rectifier and does not require a center-tapped transformer.

What role do voltage multipliers play in the system?

Voltage multipliers increase the low output voltage from the piezo sensors to a suitable level for charging applications.

Why was a capacitor chosen over a battery for energy storage?

A capacitor was preferred because it can charge immediately without minimum voltage requirements, unlike a battery which takes longer to charge.

What is the significance of the user authentication module in the charging system?

The user authentication module ensures that only authorized users can access the stored energy for charging devices, enhancing security.

What future improvements are suggested for the project?

Future improvements include fabricating more durable piezo sensors, increasing sensor size for better output, and optimizing charging speeds.

What is the overall conclusion drawn from the project?

The project emphasizes the need for sustainable energy solutions and demonstrates a feasible approach to harnessing energy from everyday activities, contributing to a greener environment.