Technological Institute of the Philippines

Manila Campus

80-Watt Piezoelectric Crosswalk Energy Harvesting System

Desuyo, Yves Gerome M.

Maneja, Kenneth C.
Miel, Marrier Luisa H.
Ofalsa, Rarlp Rael A.
Sahagun, Jayson L.

October 8, 2016

Mechanical Engineering Department

 Acknowledgement

The group would like to thank to the Creator who gives us strength, courage, wisdom,

blessings, guidance and power to overcome the obstacles throughout this semester to finish

this thesis and an opportunity to contribute to the innovation.

It would not have made possible without the help and assist of the TIP Electronics and

Communication Engineering Students, friends and families,

To Engr. Maurice Sorita, our instructor and mentor, for his relentless guidance and support

in accomplishing the group’s project study as well as his lectures in the course wherein he

has provided a great leap in preparation for our journey to the professional world.
 Abstract

Walking may be considered the simplest mode of transportation, especially for short trips,

and although, there has been a decline in the number of people involved, part of the process,

inevitably, includes crossing a road. Energy exists almost everywhere in the environment

and with the ever-increasing demand for power, energy solutions in both the macro and

micro-scale has become a drive for scientists and engineers. And over the decades, energy

has been harnessed in the forms of wind, solar and hydropower. Today, the development

of micro-energy harvesting technology has increased with the goal of providing low-power

solutions for perpetual devices.

 Table of Contents

i. Acknowledgement
ii. Abstract
iii. Table of Contents
List of Figures
List of Tables

Chapter 1: Introduction
1.1 The Problem and Its Background
1.2 Objectives of the Study
1.3 Significance of the Study
1.4 Scope and Delimitation of the Study

Chapter 2: Review of Related Literature

2.1 Pedestrians and Crossings
2.2 Walking and Vibration Energy
2.3 Piezoelectricity
2.3.1 Piezo Sensor
2.3.2 Piezo Elements
2.4 Footstep Power Generation Systems
2.4.1 Fly Wheel and Gear Setup
2.4.2 Rack & Pinion Arrangement
2.5 Patent Search
2.5.1 Piezoelectric Harvesting System to Use Vibration Energy
2.5.2 Generator Unit for Energy Harvesting with A Single Force Input Point

Chapter 3: Materials and Methods

3.1 Project Development Flow
3.1.1 Experimental Design
3.2 Materials and Methods
3.2.1 Materials
3.2.2 Equipment
3.2.3 Design Parameters
3.2.3.1 Location
 3.2.3.2 Number of Piezo Transducers
3.2.3.3 Applied Stress on Springs
3.2.3.4 Strength of Steel Plate
3.2.4 Experiment
3.2.4.1 Average Load of Pedestrians and Vehicles
3.2.4.2 Power per Impact
3.2.5 Experiment Procedure
3.2.5.1 Project Management
3.2.5.2 Advising and Consultations
3.2.5.3 Project Designing
3.2.5.4 Conclusion
3.2.6 Design Concept
3.7 Gantt Chart
3.8 PDCA Method
 List of Figures and Tables

Figure 1: Piezoelectric Transduction

Figure 2: Piezoelectric Sensor
Figure 3: Prototype of a Piezoelectric Stair Step
Figure 4 (a) & (b): Rack-Pinion Setup for a Footfall Power Generation System
Figure 5: Espace.net Screenshot of Piezoelectric Harvesting System
Figure 6: Espace.net Screenshot of Generator Unit
Figure 7: Project Development Flow Diagram
Figure 8: Project Block Diagram
Figure 9: Project Schematic Diagram
Figure 10: P. Casal crossing connecting the TIP – Manila campuses
Figure 11: Materials: spring, piezoelectric sensor and steel sheet with circular cutout
Figure 12: Piezo Element and a thin base that make up the piezo sensor
Figure 13: Piezo sensors with spring placed on the cutouts on the steel sheet
Figure 14. Initial piezo attachments with springs. Steel enclosure with rubber surface.
Figure 15: Piezoelectric system enclosed by steel pressure plate
Figure 16: Final design concept of the piezoelectric crosswalk system

Table 1: Key Players in Patenting and Manufacturing of Footfall Energy Harvesting

Floor Technology
Table 2: Varying load of crossing pedestrians and vehicles
Table 3: Energy that can be harnessed

Chapter 1: Introduction
1.1 The Problem and Its Background

Cleaner, alternative sources of energy have been a constant problem in a world of ever-

increasing demand for power, in which our continuous dependence on fossil fuels has taken

its toll on the environment, and with the emergence of macro-scale energy harvesting in

the forms of solar, wind and hydroelectricity for decades, solutions to energy management

increase with the goal to reduce reliance on oil. In order to further contribute to power

solutions, micro-scale energy harvesting has been discovered to provide small, intermittent

energy for ultra-low power (ULP), perpetual devices. (Texas Instruments, 2009)

Sources of micro-energy include vibration, body heat, radio frequency emissions and light

wherein vibration energy can be scaled from industries down to a man’s footstep.

According to Laurence Kemball-Cook, Pavegen CEO and pioneer of custom flooring

systems, a walking individual can generate up to 7 watts of power output from a single

footstep alone whereas 2.5 Watts alone can be used to charge an iPhone. (The Guardian,

2015; Cottone, 2011)

Pedestrian crossings are crucial tools wherein it serves as a safety reminder and instills

discipline to both pedestrians and vehicle drivers on the road, especially in school areas

such as P. Casal street which divides the Casal and Arlegui campuses of TIP in between

wherein a single lane at the P. Casal crossing measures about 4.88 meters long and 3.96
meters wide. Majority of those who cross the said street are those students, faculty

members and staff, etc. of the institution who usually needs to get between the campuses,

throughout the day. On the other hand, devices such as traffic signals, street lights, etc. are

being utilized to further observe safety, however, requires energy in order function.

With the gut-wrenching prices of electricity in Metro Manila, the researchers propose a

means to innovate and utilize simple concepts to harvest cleaner energy wherein the kinetic

energy exerted by crossing pedestrians as well as vehicles passing by are to be made use

of; and at the same time, promote safety and discipline to the students of TIP – Manila who

cross the P. Casal street from the Casal campus to that of Arlegui and vice versa.

1.2 Objective of the Study

The group aims to design and build a 4.50-meter by 3.50-meter piezoelectric footstep

system, which will be installed between the TIP – Manila campuses, and serve as a

pedestrian crossing, to gather the energy exerted from the weight of pedestrians and

vehicles passing by, further converting into electrical energy and distributing the power to

two 40-Watt fluorescent lamps (total of 80 Watts) that are installed at the waiting shed near

the P. Casal street. The focus of the study centers on the design of the system wherein it

should withstand the forces of pedestrian footfalls, as well as impact of vehicles, especially

those of heavy loads.

1.3 Significance of the Study

The scenario has inspired the group to conduct the study wherein the energy exerted by the

pedestrians and vehicles passing by will provide benefit in powering simple but vital

instruments on the street.

The study aims to play a significant role for students who wish to conduct future research

as well as provide a background in the application of Basic Electrical and Electronics; help

the government realize applications in alternate sources of electrical energy thus saving

costs; and more importantly, emphasize and promote the importance of safety to the

students of TIP – Manila.

1.4 Scope and Delimitation of the Study

The group proposes to design and install the said system in either the North or South-bound

direction of P. Casal street, containing three lanes for traffic, and spans about 32 feet in

total width. Although a pedestrian crossing serves its purpose by meeting two ends of a

road, the study will be scaled down to a single lane that spans about 4.5 meters.

Parameters to be considered in the study include the number of crossing pedestrians and

vehicles, as well as the average force exerted wherein the gathered experimental data will

be used to compute the generated energy as well as the power output.

On the other hand, the factors that will shape the design of the project include the material

that will withstand the varying weather conditions, the impact of pedestrian and motor

traffic, especially heavy vehicles; and at the same time promote safety as its intended

function as a pedestrian crossing.

Chapter 2: Review of Related Literature

2.1 Pedestrians and Crossings

As stated in the Right of Way and Signals of the 1984 Land Transportation and Traffic

Code (Chapter IV, Article III), motorists are obliged to provide the right of way to

pedestrians in designated crossings, or “zebra lanes strip”, in highways. However, it was

not until July of 2013 since a crossing pedestrian’s safety was emphasized in which

specifications and dimensions of pedestrian lanes and sidewalks were defined. (DPWH;

Lasco, 2015)

Pedestrian crossings, as stated by the Department of Public Works and Highways (2013),

can be classified as zebra crossings, either longitudinal or staggered, for non-signalized

crossings; and crosswalks for signalized crossings wherein the latter spans about 4 to 8

meters in length.

2.2 Walking and Vibration Energy

Vibration is a considerable source for micro-harvesting technologies that provide

continuous power in the milliwatt range. An average human expends about 200 Watts of

power simply by walking in which up to 4 μW/cm3 can be harvested. Vibrational energy

is generally available in structures such as bridges, as well as in industrial and automotive

scenarios, wherein the electrostatic energy can also be harvested through piezoelectric cells

or elastomers. (Texas Instruments, 2009; Roundy et. al., 2005)

Harnessing kinetic energy such as pedestrian footfalls contribute to ultra-low power (ULP)

technology and will require highly-efficient converter mechanisms and storage cells.

According to a research conducted (Scope, 2014), experiments on energy harvesting tiles

throughout the years have provided proof that the technology is robust and practical to

power streetlights, traffic lights, etc. With the rise of footfall energy harvesting systems,

the study mentions that there are already 53% patented products, while 32% and 15% make

up for non-patented products and prototypes, respectively.

Table 1: Key players in patenting and manufacturing of footfall energy harvesting floor

technology

Pavegen’s custom flooring technology, initiated in 2009, is an example of an application

that utilizes the piezoelectric effect through electro-magnetic induction wherein their latest

product, the V3 triangular tile, can generate 5 Watts of continuous power from the weight

of the footsteps and is composed of steel, recycled aluminum, composite.

2.3 Piezoelectricity

“Piezo” is derived from the Greek word for squeeze, press, or push, that is piezein,

therefore, piezoelectricity, or the Piezoelectric Effect, is the result of mechanical stress

applied on certain materials, (transduced) in which can be a reversible, converse process

wherein bodies stress is generated in effect to an electric field (actuated). (Measurement

Specialties, 2006)

Piezoelectric energy can be harvested by converting mechanical vibrations into an

electrical charge, or by placing a material under significant strain through heavy pressure.

These harvesters generate electricity based on the amount of force used in compressing or

deforming a material, as well as the amount and type of deformation on the material’s

crystal structure and the speed or frequency of compressions or vibrations to the material.

The potential for piezoelectric energy harvesting is therefore much greater than alternative

energy harvesting technologies, with the components capable of delivering up to 70 per

cent of their charge.

2.3.1 Piezo Sensor

Any element that exhibits the piezoelectric effect acts as a piezoelectric transducer or

sensor wherein electric voltage is generated from an applied mechanical pressure or

force. Actuators work reversely to that of a piezoelectric sensor in which the material

deforms depending on the electric effect. (electrical4u.com)

Figure 1: Piezoelectric Transduction

The piezoelectric sensor are versatile devices for measuring changes in pressure,

temperature, force, etc. The materials used are known to have a modulus of elasticity

of up to 1x107 N/m2 wherein the sensing elements show about zero deflection to

compression. This electromechanical system, however, can only be used for dynamic

variables with increasing pressure loads and temperature such as turbulence, ballistics,

and engine combustion in which a static measurement results in a fixed amount of

charge. In addition, a drop in internal resistance and sensitivity occurs when the piezo

material is exposed at high temperatures. (Gautschi, 2002; PCB Piezotronics)

Figure 2: Piezoelectric sensor

Piezo sensors that measure pressure are usually designed with a thin membrane on a

larger base where the former transfers the force to the piezo element. However, pressure

sensors tend to generate false signals when exposed to vibrations, hence, vibration

sensors are created based on pressure sensors with the addition of acceleration elements

that subtracts the combined signal of pressure and acceleration to determine the actual

pressure.

2.3.2 Piezo elements

Piezoelectric ceramics and single crystal materials are two main groups of materials

used for piezo sensors in which the former is said to be the most used materials for

piezoelectricity. Piezoceramics are preferred for their economical trait compared to

other elements, and also possess a high radiating firmness in active environments

wherein it can withstand temperatures from 270 to 400°C. However, exposure to

 elevated temperatures over time degrades the high sensitivity of the material. The

sensitivity or piezoelectric constant of piezoceramics, such as PZT ceramic) is much

higher than that of the natural single crystal single elements. According to PI Ceramic,

a manufacturer of piezoceramics, Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT) is an ideal material

for both piezoelectric sensors and actuators for their large piezo charge coefficient and

high coupling factors.

2.4 Footstep Power Generation Systems

2.4.1 Fly wheel and Gear Setup

A flywheel is a heavy revolving mechanical device that is used to store rotational

energy in which is proportional to the square of its rotational speed. It provides more

stability in a machine by increasing its momentum and also generate reserve power in

the event of delivery interruptions. It is used commonly used to provide continuous

energy when its source is discontinuous; deliver energy that more than that of a

continuous source; and control the orientation of a mechanical system.

An application of the fly wheel and piezoelectricity is the staircase step prototype

designed by Electrical Engineering students of Mapua Institute of Technology (2013)

wherein they were able to produce an output current of 56 milliampere-hour in a day

generated from 83 individuals operating an LED lamp for 52 miliampere-hour.

 Figure 3: Prototype of a piezoelectric stair step

A developed system that includes the flywheel component is the Pavegen tiles that

generate up to 5 Watts of continuous power wherein the tile surface compresses up to

a centimeter driving an energy-storing flywheel that converts kinetic energy into

electrical energy. The tiles have been installed in densely crowded areas such as the

Heathrow Airport in London, as well as in major events like the 2013 Paris Marathon

wherein 25 meters of road were covered to generate 4.7 kW hours of energy.

(Newsweek, 2016)

2.4.2 Rack & Pinion Arrangement

The rack and pinion mechanism converts rotational motion into linear motion

comprising a pair of gears wherein the circular gear (pinion) engages teeth on a linear

gear (rack), hence, the motion of the rack is relative to that of the pinion.
Two separate studies in India were conducted wherein each built a footstep power

generation system prototype utilizing the rack-pinion setup. One of the prototypes,

shown in Figure #a, was able to generate 1.27 Watts of output power, while the latter

(Figure #b) was able to gather an output voltage of 3V. (IJERAT, April 2016; May

2016)

(a)

(b)

Figure 4 (a) & (b): Rack-pinion setup for a footfall power generation system
2.5 Patent Search

2.5.1 Piezoelectric Harvesting System to Use Vibration Energy

Figure 5: Espace.net Screenshot of Piezoelectric Harvesting System

2.5.2 Generator Unit for Energy Harvesting with A Single Force Input Point

Figure 6: Espace.net Screenshot of Generator Unit

 References

Atienza et. al. (2013) “Design of a Piezoelectric Stair as an Alternative Source of

Energy”. p.21, 24, 38. Mapua Institute of Technology

Cottone, F. (2011) “Introduction to Vibration Energy Harvesting” p. 11, 12. NiPS

Energy Harvesting Summer School, University of Paris Est

DPWH (1984) “Right of Way and Signals” of the 1984 Land Transportation and

Traffic Code (Chapter IV, Article III)

Gautschi, G. (2002) “Piezoelectric Sensorics: Force, Strain, Pressure, Acceleration and

Acoustic Emission Sensors, Materials and Amplifiers.”

IRC: 103-1988 “Guidelines for Pedestrian Facilities”

International Journal of Engineering Research and Advanced Technology (IJERAT)

Abhishek, N. et. al. (May 2016) “POWER GENERATION BY FOOT STEPS

USING RACK AND PINION ARRANGEMENT” p. 13

Azhar, M. et. al. (April 2016) “Generation of Electrical Energy from Foot Step

Using Rack and Pinion Mechanism”

Kundi, M. et. al. “Footstep Power Generation System” p. 10, 11

Measurement Specialties (March 2006) “Interfacing Piezo Film to Electronics”

Nanomotion “The Piezoelectric Effect”

Ellis, E. G. (2016) “New Floor Tiles Generate Green Energy Via Your Footsteps”

Newsweek Tech & Science

PCB Piezotronics “Introduction to Dynamic Pressure Sensors”

Roundy et. al. (2005)

Rutgers Energy Institute “Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting” Rutgers University

Scope e-Knowledge Center Pvt Ltd (May 2014) “Harnessing Kinetic Energy from

Footfalls” p. 4, 9, 10

Texas Instruments (2009) “Energy Harvesting” p. 1, 2

Woodford, Chris (2016) “Flywheels” from (explainthatstuff.com)