Design of Piezoelectricity Harvester using Footwear

Abstract

Harvesting mechanical energy from human movement is an appropriate approach for acquiring environment-friendly electrical energy. Common energy generation methods are pressure, heat and vibration. Researchers are consistently trying to find alternative ways to utilize clean energy wasted in environment in form of these resources. This paper demonstrates the method of harvesting energy from human walk. Generated electric energy can be used to power mobile phones, emergency flashlights, etc. It can also be utilized for uninterruptedly powering up a soldier's wearables electronics gadgets in military operations. It can also be used to track any soldier's location in remote areas. It is based on a considerably designed structure of piezo transducers with a suitable thickness and diameter, which makes it easy-to-use and accordant with a shoe sole. When pressure is applied on piezoelectric discs, AC voltage is produced which is then converted for desired output. After receiving desired outcomes, this energy source can become a direct current (DC) power supply with a support from power management circuits. This energy can be stored in any external power storage. Our design will demonstrate the feasibility of harvesting electrical energy from piezoelectric to low power wearable devices. Our design feasibility will be proved by the positive results obtained from the experimental prototype.