Prototyping and Performance Analysis of a Step Driven Piezoelectric Energy Generation System

Abstract

This paper presents a novel approach to harness energy from human footsteps using piezoelectric sensors. With a focus on addressing the energy needs of densely populated regions such as China and India, where foot traffic is abundant, this work endeavours to convert mechanical energy from footsteps into electrical energy.  A prototype hardware model has been designed and presented to generate power through human foot movement, employing piezoelectric sensors arranged in series and connected via a rectifier diode to charge a battery. Additionally, a voltage booster is integrated to amplify voltage output, while an inverter facilitates the conversion of DC to AC power. Experimental investigations were conducted by varying the weights of individuals to establish a correlation between weight and resulting voltage outputs, culminating in a graphical representation of the data. The outcomes of our study showcase the feasibility of tapping into untapped energy reservoirs from foot traffic, thereby presenting promising applications for urban settings. This work contributes towards addressing energy challenges prevalent in densely populated areas and underscores the potential of piezoelectric energy harvesting technology as a sustainable energy solution.