SHRI SHIVAJI SCIENCE COLLEGE, AMRAVATI

DBT STAR COLLEGE PROJECT ACTIVITY

ACTIVITY REPORT

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Sustainable Device Charging: Generating Power with Piezoelectric Crystals


Activity Dates: 1/8/2024 to 1/3/2025

Type of Activity: Minor Research Project

Organizing Department: Department of Physics

Program Coordinators: Dr Radhika G Deshmukh

Head of the Department: Dr Pankaj A Nagpure

External Collaborator (if any): no

Objectives:

No of Beneficieries: If applied in public places (e.g., sidewalks, parks, or transportation hubs), thousands of people could indirectly benefit from sustainable energy generation and f the project is introduced in a university department with 100–200 students, they can dire

Classes Involved: BSc III

Venue of the Activity: Physics lab

Activity Report:

The rapid advancement of portable electronic devices, particularly mobile phones, has spurred significant interest in alternative and sustainable energy sources to meet their growing power demands. Piezoelectric materials, which generate electric charge under mechanical stress, present a promising avenue for small-scale, environmentally friendly energy generation. This study explores the potential of piezoelectric crystals to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy capable of charging a mobile device. Piezoelectric crystals are subjected to varying mechanical stresses to generate electric current, which is then harvested, stored, and utilized for mobile charging. The setup involves placing piezoelectric elements in strategic configurations to maximize energy conversion efficiency under consistent pressure. We examine factors such as crystal arrangement, applied force, and energy storage mechanisms to optimize power output. The results demonstrate that piezoelectric crystals can reliably generate a measurable electric charge when compressed, offering an alternative, eco-friendly power source. This approach contributes to the development of sustainable energy solutions for low-power applications, with implications for portable device charging in off-grid or emergency scenarios. Through optimizing piezoelectric-based energy generation systems, this research aims to advance the feasibility of piezoelectric materials as viable charging solutions for mobile devices, paving the way for innovative applications in renewable energy technology.

Background :
Discuss the concept of piezoelectricity—materials that generate electric charge when subjected to mechanical stress.
Explain the motivation for exploring piezoelectric materials as a renewable energy source, especially for low-power applications.

Introduction
The unprecedented growth of mobile technology has led to a substantial rise in the demand for sustainable and portable power sources. Traditional batteries, while efficient, rely on finite resources, generate waste, and require regular charging, making them less ideal for environmentally conscious and off-grid applications. As society moves toward greener and more sustainable energy solutions, alternative methods for powering electronic devices have garnered increasing attention. Piezoelectricity, a property of certain materials that allows them to generate electric charge in response to applied mechanical stress, presents a promising solution to these energy challenges. Piezoelectric materials, such as quartz and certain ceramics, are known to convert mechanical energy—often in the form of vibrations, pressure, or impact—into electrical energy. This unique capability has made them attractive candidates for powering small-scale devices and low-energy electronics, and it opens the door to innovative charging methods for portable devices like mobile phones.
This project explores the feasibility of using piezoelectric crystals as a charging source for mobile devices. By applying controlled mechanical pressure to these crystals, we aim to produce a steady electric charge that can be harvested and stored to power electronic devices. The goal is to design a system that maximizes the conversion efficiency of piezoelectric crystals, allowing them to generate a usable amount of electricity. We will examine the effects of different crystal configurations, applied forces, and storage systems on the output, evaluating the practicality of integrating piezoelectricity into mobile charging technology. The potential benefits of this research are significant. A successful piezoelectric-based charging system could offer a sustainable, compact, and portable energy source, reducing reliance on traditional batteries and providing power in remote or emergency situations. Additionally, by leveraging a renewable and mechanically driven process, this approach aligns with global efforts to minimize environmental impact and enhance energy resilience.
In summary, this study investigates piezoelectric materials as an innovative solution for mobile device charging, aiming to bridge the gap between sustainable energy sources and the ever-growing demand for portable power. Through careful analysis and optimization of the system, we seek to contribute to the development of renewable energy technology and advance the practical application of piezoelectricity.








Objectives:
1 To generate electricity using piezoelectric crystals*: Harnessing the piezoelectric effect to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy.
2.To investigate the relationship between applied force and voltage generated .
3.To determine the power output and efficiency of the system: Evaluating the effectiveness of the piezoelectric crystals in generating power and comparing it to the input energy.
4.To explore the potential applications of piezoelectric energy harvesting: Investigating the feasibility of using piezoelectric crystals as a sustainable energy source for small-scale devices or sensors.
5.To develop a prototype device that demonstrates the piezoelectric effect Creating a practical example of how piezoelectric crystals can be used to generate electricity.
6.To investigate the properties and characteristics of piezoelectric materials*: Gaining a deeper understanding of the material properties that affect the piezoelectric effect.

Theory and Principles
1.Piezoelectric Effect:
Explain the piezoelectric effect: the generation of electric charge in certain materials when subjected to mechanical stress.
Describe the types of piezoelectric materials (natural like quartz, synthetic like PZT - lead zirconate titanate).
2.Electricity Generation:
Discuss how mechanical pressure on the piezoelectric crystal creates an alternating current (AC) due to rapid changes in mechanical stress.
Describe the need for converting AC to DC to use the generated energy effectively for battery charging.
3.Energy Storage and Voltage Regulation:
Explain the necessity of a capacitor for storing charge generated by the crystal.
Discuss voltage regulation using a DC-DC boost converter to reach the standard 5V required for mobile charging.

Construction:
The setup for generating electric charge using piezoelectric crystals consists of the following main components:
• Piezoelectric Crystals: Typically, quartz or lead zirconate titanate (PZT) crystals, which produce electric charge when subjected to mechanical stress.
• Mechanical Pressure Mechanism: A mechanism (such as a stepper or manual press) applies controlled force to the piezoelectric crystals. This force can come from tapping, compressing, or applying vibrations to the crystals.
• Rectifier Circuit: The output from the piezoelectric crystal is an alternating current (AC). A bridge rectifier converts this AC output to direct current (DC), making it suitable for charging.
• Energy Storage Device: A small capacitor or rechargeable battery stores the generated DC power for continuous output.
• Voltage Regulator: To ensure the output voltage matches the input requirements of the mobile device, a voltage regulator circuit stabilizes and adjusts the DC voltage.
• Charging Interface: A USB or micro-USB output port provides a connection to the mobile device.
The crystals are arranged in a series or parallel configuration within a compact casing. This configuration is designed to maximize the collective energy output of the piezoelectric crystals while also allowing ease of installation in portable applications.


Fig 2. Glowing of Light by applying mechanical Stress


Working
The working principle of this setup relies on the piezoelectric effect, where piezoelectric materials generate an electric charge in response to applied mechanical pressure.
1. Applying Mechanical Stress: When mechanical pressure is applied to the piezoelectric crystals (by pressing, vibrations, or impacts), the atomic structure within the crystals undergoes deformation. This deformation causes an imbalance in charge, creating an electric potential across the crystal.
2. Generating AC Output: The piezoelectric crystals produce an alternating electric current (AC) as they are compressed and released. This AC output is then directed through a rectifier circuit.
3. Rectification to DC: The AC generated by the crystals is converted to DC using a bridge rectifier. This ensures a steady and unidirectional current, which is essential for charging electronic devices.
4. Energy Storage: The converted DC power is stored in a capacitor or rechargeable battery. This stored energy can then be released in a controlled manner, maintaining a consistent output.
5. Voltage Regulation: A voltage regulator circuit is employed to ensure the output voltage remains stable and within the suitable range for the mobile device (typically around 5V for USB charging). The regulator adjusts fluctuations to deliver a steady voltage output.
6. Charging the Mobile Device: Once the DC voltage is regulated, it flows to the charging port. The mobile device, connected through a USB or micro-USB interface, draws power from the setup, allowing it to charge.


Figure 3: Students performing Expt and charging mobile by Using Piezoelectric crystal


Assembly Procedure:
Circuit Setup:
➢ Connect the output terminals of the piezoelectric crystals to the bridge rectifier.
➢ Connect the rectifier output to a capacitor to smooth the output.
➢ Place a voltage regulator after the capacitor to maintain a consistent output voltage of 5V.
➢ Connect the output from the voltage regulator to the USB cable for mobile charging.
Charging Mechanism:
➢ Apply mechanical stress (pressure or tapping) on the piezoelectric crystals. Each press generates a small electrical charge, which flows into the capacitor.
➢ Continue applying pressure until the capacitor charges up to the required voltage level for mobile charging.
➢ Connect the mobile device and observe the charging effect.
Testing Process:
➢ Describe the process of applying pressure on the crystal to generate charge.
➢ Measure the output voltage at different stages (after rectification, at the capacitor, and post-boost conversion).


Observations and Data Analysis
1.Voltage and Current Output:
Record the generated voltage and current under different levels of mechanical stress.
Analyze how consistent pressure impacts the system’s efficiency and output.
2.Charging Capabilities:
Observe whether the setup can achieve sufficient power to charge a mobile device.
3. Data Tables and Graphs:
Include tables showing the voltage and current at various stages and graphs plotting mechanical stress against generated voltage.




Results and Discussion
1.Feasibility of Mobile Charging: Evaluate whether piezoelectric energy harvesting is feasible for charging a mobile device directly or if it serves better for low-power applications.
2.Efficiency Considerations: Analyze the efficiency of each component, especially the rectifier and voltage booster.
3.Potential Improvements: Suggest improvements, such as using multiple crystals in series or parallel for higher output or integrating a more efficient energy storage system

Advantages of the system:
1.Renewable and Sustainable: Piezoelectric charging relies solely on mechanical energy, making it a renewable source that can be activated through simple movements or pressure.
2.Portable and Compact: The small size of piezoelectric crystals allows for a compact design, making it ideal for portable and emergency charging setups.
3.Eco-Friendly: This method of charging produces no emissions and requires no traditional fuel, aligning with environmentally sustainable practices.

Limitations :
Challenges and Limitations: Discuss limitations like low power output, energy losses in voltage boosting, and the need for consistent mechanical pressure.

Conclusion:
This project demonstrates the potential of using piezoelectric crystals as a sustainable energy source for charging mobile devices. By harnessing the piezoelectric effect, we can convert mechanical energy into electrical energy in a compact and portable setup, providing a renewable charging solution. The project highlights the feasibility of using piezoelectric materials as an alternative to traditional batteries in specific low-power applications, showcasing a step towards eco-friendly energy solutions. The design and testing of the piezoelectric-based charging system reveal that while the output is relatively low compared to conventional chargers, it is sufficient for emergency or supplementary charging when combined with an energy storage mechanism and voltage regulation. This makes the system ideal for off-grid use, emergencies, and environmentally conscious applications.
Future Scope and Recommendations
• Improving Output Efficiency: Advanced crystal configurations and materials can increase the energy generated per unit of mechanical stress.
• Integrating into Everyday Items: Embedding piezoelectric elements into everyday objects (like shoes or bags) could enable passive energy harvesting while walking or moving.
• Enhanced Storage and Management: Using supercapacitors or efficient energy management systems would allow for more consistent power storage and release, improving practical charging applications.
Overall, the project underscores the potential for piezoelectric technology to contribute to sustainable energy solutions in small-scale applications, paving the way for innovation in portable and renewable energy sources.

Outcomes:

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