Smart Footstep Energy Harvesting System

Abstract

This research paper introduces a novel approach to footstep energy harvesting by integrating piezoelectric sensors into flooring surfaces. The project aims to generate sustainable electrical power from footsteps, contributing to the development of energy-efficient systems. The proposed system incorporates a unique feature that enables users to easily identify and address sensor failures or damages. The core components of the system include piezoelectric sensors strategically placed in high-traffic areas, an Arduino microcontroller for signal processing and energy management, and a rechargeable battery for energy storage. A rectifier circuit is employed to convert AC signals generated by the sensors to DC, while a voltage regulator ensures a stable output voltage. The energy harvested is stored in the battery, which is connected to a USB charging module capable of charging electronic devices. To enhance the system's usability and maintenance, LEDs are integrated with each piezoelectric sensor. These LEDs act as indicators for sensor status, allowing users to visually identify any damaged or failed sensors. The Arduino code is designed to continuously monitor sensor values and activate the corresponding LED when a sensor falls below a predefined threshold, signaling a potential issue. This unique feature enhances user awareness, simplifies troubleshooting, and aids in the efficient maintenance of the energy harvesting infrastructure. The research focuses on the practical implementation of the system, exploring its effectiveness in real-world scenarios. Various aspects, such as energy generation efficiency, adaptability to different environments, and the ease of sensor failure identification, are evaluated through extensive experimentation. The paper discusses the system's potential applications, including sustainable power generation for small electronic devices and its integration into smart infrastructure. The proposed Smart Footstep Energy Harvesting System with Sensor Failure Identification addresses a crucial aspect of sustainability and smart infrastructure management. The findings from this research contribute to the growing field of energy harvesting technologies and pave the way for future developments in efficient, user-friendly, and maintainable footstep energy harvesting systems.