Design and construction of a foam-based piezoelectric energy harvester

Abstract

Generating, converting, harvesting and storing energy are crucial parts of society. This work aims to design and construct a piezoelectric generator that harvests energy from pressure to produce an output voltage capable of charging and powering low-energy electronic devices such as mobile phones and 5 V light bulbs. Proteus 8.0 professional software is used to simulate the circuit for construction. A piezoelectric disc transducer, which is the principal component, was used in the construction. The result shows a voltage of 5–12 V capable of powering low-voltage electronic devices. Amidst the constant instability in electric power systems in Nigeria, those in rural areas have little or no electricity access. Electronic and communication devices are necessary to connect community members to those outside their communities and the world wide web for global information. Children and youths require lighting facilities at school and home for further studies. The design will provide an alternative for energy supply to areas with little or no access to electricity.