Optimization of Piezoelectric transducer in

Harvesting raindrop kinetic energy

A Thesis

Presented to

The faculty of

Technological University of the Philippines

In partial completion

of the requirements

for practical Research I subject

By:

Ruina, Shemiah P.

Cabason, Lea M.

Ladaga, David M.

Lagadon, Mary Kaye S.

Serrano, Alexander W.

2017
 CHAPTER 1

THE PROBLEM AND ITS BACKGROUND

Introduction: Background of the study

Since the discovery of electricity, people have been dependent to its substantial benefits
in everyday living. From simple household chores to technological industries, electricity has
been constantly involved in fulfilling particular tasks in an easier and faster method. No one can
hide the fact that the bulging demand for electricity is vividly observed. Undoubtedly, people
cannot seem to live without electricity at hand especially in todays generation in which
technology is not just a tool for such tasks but also for entertainment purposes. On this note, the
appeal for electrical energy is continuously escalating directly proportional to the innovation in
technology.

According to the Central Intelligence Agency (2016), the Philippines consumes about
74.15 billion kWh of electricity annually, 67.5% of it are from fossil fuels, 16.9% are from
hydroelectric plants and 15.6% are from other renewable sources of energy. Theoretically
saying, the country consumes a large amount of fossil fuels than renewable sources of energy.

The demand for energy and the depletion of non renewable sources of energy such as
fossil fuels and other natural gases, distress mankind for having insufficient reserves for future
demands. This leads to the discovery of renewable sources of energy which is abundant in nature
as a promising source of energy.

Renewable sources of energy are truly inexpensive and are ecological compared to the
typical energy sources that are non renewable and are carried by electric transmission lines. Most
of the renewable sources of energy that are widely used in the present time are hydroelectricity
and solar energy. Thus, the researcher would like to construct an energy system that uses natural
and economical materials as well.

On the other hand, rain is a natural phenomenon that possesses potential energy that
eventually becomes kinetic energy. Thus, raindrop is a feasible source of renewable energy and
could be converted to electrical energy. Among all the other renewable sources of energy, the
researchers chose raindrop as a major variable in the study considering that the Philippines as a
tropical country experiences rainfall all throughout the year.

Piezoelectricity was derived from the Greek word piezo which means pressure, thus
piezoelectricity means electricity by pressure. The piezoelectric effect is usually observed in
quartz and crystals when these materials were subjected to mechanical pressure. Electric
potential will appear in faces of the crystals. When the crystals are compressed it forces negative
ions within each unit cell of the crystal to rearrange itself.
 Since piezoelectric effect involves that potent of mechanical stress to be translated to
electrical energy and raindrop as a means of kinetic energy, using both of these variables may
lead to the production electrical energy. Through the information gathered the researchers will
conduct a study that aims to highlight the essentiality of raindrop kinetic energy as a means of
mechanical pressure that will be converted to electrical energy through piezoelectric effect.

The umbrella-inspired output of the research may serve as an electricity-producing

generator that will greatly contribute to the society. It will also help the environment in reducing
its usage of non renewable sources like fossil fuels that can help harm our environment. By using
piezoelectric transducers as a source of energy, we could lessen arising environmental issues and
help improve our environments situation nowadays. Also, it will also benefit the people living in
tropical countries like Philippines where rainfall is expected and typhoons are present every
month or is expected all around the year. It will also give advantage in rural areas that are not
reached by electric transmission lines in the country.

Statement of the problem

This study aims to determine the efficiency of using piezoelectric transducers in

harvesting raindrop kinetic energy. Specifically, this study seeks to answer the following
questions:

1. Is the amount of energy harvested using piezoelectric transducer enough to generate

electricity?
2. Does the amount of rainfall affect the measure of electricity generated?
3. Is there a significant difference between the amount of energy generated using the
following number of piezoelectric transducer:
a. 5?
b. 7?
c. 10?
d. 16?
Scope and Delimitation of the study

This science investigatory project focuses only on the harvesting of kinetic energy in
raindrops for electricity production. This portable energy harvesting system can only be utilized
with a piezoelectric device that is capable of producing energy by means of mechanical stress or
kinetic energy. In this study, the researchers will use the kinetic energy stored in rain drops and
convert it to electrical energy. In order to identify the efficiency the proposed study, the
researchers will use four different setups which includes 5, 7, 10 and 16 piezoelectric
transducers.

The study will not use any other means of mechanical stress other than raindrops.
However, the said system is only limited to and will only be used during rainy seasons or at least
a series of raindrop is visible.

Significance of the study

The findings of the study will contribute greatly to our society as an electricity-producing
generator. We all know that electricity has been a big part of everyones life and it supports
almost everything that we have in our home, school, workplace everywhere. This study also
helps our environment since many of the power plants that generate electricity use fossil fuels
and other chemicals that can harm our environment. By using piezoelectric transducers, we could
lessen the different environmental problems that we are experiencing in our country nowadays.
Also, the study will benefit most of the people living in a tropical country where rainfall are
expected almost every month or all throughout the year. This study may also give a solution in
the convenience of rural areas that are not yet reached by electric transmission lines in the
country especially in the southern and northern part of it.

This portable energy harvesting system covers a wide array of usage especially on times
of onslaught like typhoons wherein rain is vividly observed. This can also be used after the
bumping of typhoons as it leaves a downpour of rain through this the once unnecessary
remains of typhoons will be an efficient source of energy that can perform electricity- related
processes.
 Chapter 2

THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK

This chapter includes all the related literature and studies that will be used for future
analysis and interpretation of the study. This will also strengthen the proposed study and will be
a building clock to the present research work. The hypothesis and assumptions of the research
are also presented in this chapter.

Review of related literature

Discovery of Piezoelectric Effect and Its Applications

The Greek word piezoelectricity literally means "electricity by pressure" in which name
was proposed by Hankel in 1881. According to the French physicists Pierre and Jacques Curie
(who discovered piezoelectricity in 1880), the positive and negative charges were found on
several parts of the crystal surface when comprised in several directions according to its
symmetry. Piezoelectricity is the electric charge found in a variation of certain solid materials
that are formed because of mechanical stress applied to it. Piezoelectric effect is characterized as
the interaction between the electrical and mechanical state of crystals and is also defined as a
reversible process.

Figure 2.1. Piezoelectric effect

Understanding piezoelectric transformers in CCFL backlight applications

Market forces are reducing both the size and energy consumption requirements of
portable devices such as PDAs, Internet appliances, and subnotebook computers. Low-profile
cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) backlight solutions are commonly used in these
applications. Traditional topologies have used magnetic transformers to generate the high strike
and operating voltages required by CCFL lamps. The latest developments in ceramic
piezoelectric transformers (PZTs) make them ideal candidates for low-profile backlight
applications. PZTs have higher efficiency, smaller size, lower electromagnetic noise, and higher
available strike voltage than magnetic transformers. They are also nonflammable and require
only easy-to-generate sinusoidal drive voltages. Ceramic PZT operation is fundamentally
different from magnetic transformer operation. A successful design requires an understanding of
piezoelectric characteristics and how they relate to driving CCFL lamps. PZT theory Magnetic
transformers transfer energy from primary to secondary by coupling two circuit windings
together through a magnetic flux path. In contrast, PZTs transfer energy from primary to
secondary through the use of mechanical force. C.A. Rosen first proposed PZTs in 1956.1 The
basic principle of piezoelectric operation is shown in Figure 1. When an electrical potential is
applied to a piezoelectric material, the electrical energy is converted to mechanical force. This is
referred to as the reverse piezoelectric effect. When a mechanical force is applied to a
piezoelectric material, the material converts the mechanical force to electrical energy. This
conversion is referred to as the direct piezoelectric effect. Each manufacturer has a unique, and
usually proprietary, recipe of materials and structural layering that determines its PZTs
operating characteristics. Common materials used to make PZTs include lead zirconate and lead
titanate. A PZT may be single-layer or multilayer. Single-layer PZTs are inexpensive due to
easier manufacturing processes but have relatively low voltage gains (typically 5 to 10).
Multilayered PZT designs are more expensive due to the manufacturing process but have higher
voltage gains (20 to 70). Multilayer PZTs are almost always used in CCFL applications because
the higher gain eliminates the need for a step-up transformer and allows the CCFL to be driven
with conventional off-the-shelf inductors. (Michael Day and Bang S. Lee,2002)

Seasonal Climate Outlook

El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO)-neutral condition is present in the tropical Pacific.
Sea surface temperatures (SSTs) have increased since May but remained within the neutral state.
Latest analyses and most climate models suggest that this warm ENSO-neutral condition will
likely continue during the remainder of the year.
 From July to September 2017, Warm ENSO-neutral condition is likely to prevail during
the season. The normal climate pattern during these months is characterized by widespread and
heavy rainfall affecting the western sections of Luzon and Visayas since this is the peak of the
Southwest (SW) monsoon season or "Habagat". Likewise, tropical cyclones are more active
during this period with average tracks mostly located over the northern part of the country which
could enhance the SW monsoon. Rain-causing weather systems such as thunderstorms, inter-
tropical convergence zone (ITCZ), low pressure areas (LPAs), SW monsoon and six (6) to nine
(9) tropical cyclones will dominate the season. However, breaks in the monsoon events are also
expected to occur as the ridge of the North Pacific high pressure area (HPA) extends towards the
country, giving warm and sunny weather in some affected areas.
From October to December 2017, ENSO-neutral conditions are still expected to continue
as predicted by majority of climate models. The period covers the first half of the NE monsoon
season. The weather systems likely to influence the country are the easterlies, ITCZ, easterly
wave, LPA, ridge of HPA, tail end of the cold front, NE monsoon and three (3) to five (5)
tropical cyclone occurrences. Tropical cyclones originating from the northwestern Pacific Ocean
tend to move in a westerly direction, with average tracks across central and southern Luzon and
secondary tracks over Visayas and Northern Mindanao. (PAGASA,2017)

Mechanical to electrical energy

Harvesting mechanical energy from ambient sources1 is promising to provide sustainable
power for lowpower portable electronic devices, wireless sensors, and medical implants to
remove or alleviate the requirement for battery replacement. The technological challenge hinges
upon the mechanical-to-electric energy conversion mechanism. Many studies have focused on
piezoelectric materials, but they are known to have low strength and/or low throughput. More
ecient and robust mechanical-to-electric conversion mechanisms may be achieved by operating
aqueous solutions in nanoconnements. The intriguing interfaces between aqueous solutions and
carbon materials have enabled a number of applications related with the modulation of electrical
eld in nanoconned environments. Carbon supercapacitors have shown extremely high
capacitance when the nanopore size is reduced below 1nm. The increased capacitance
contradicts classic theories, and has been attributed to the partial removal of the hydration shell
in nanoconnements. On the other hand, graphene eld eect transistors have been demonstrated
to be eective in the electrical detection of inorganic and biochemical analytes. By applying an
electrical eld, ions build up at the material interfaces and induce holes and electrons by
capacitive charging, thus varying the conductance of the nanochannel. These applications of
nanouidics-based material systems are critically dependent on the structure and dynamics of
electrolytes conned in nanochannels. Nanoconned electrolytes feature unique molecular,
energetic, and ow characteristics, including an incomplete hydration shell, slow ionic diusion,
energetically unfavorable inltration, and uneven ionic polarization. Of particular interest are the
interfacial electrochemical characteristics. In nanoconnements, opposite solid planes get so
close that the Helmholtz and Gouy-Chapman layers residing in the vicinity of both solid surfaces
are strongly interfered with and distorted. Partially due to these reasons, both simulation18) and
experiment have shown that increasing the charge density on a solid surface that connes an
electrolytic solution can increase the thickness and the counter-ion density in the electric double
layer (EDL); however, charge inversion cannot occur even at high surface charge densities. To
correlate structural properties with electrical properties, PoissonBoltzmann theory has been
adopted in a previous study to compute the electrostatic potential across the interface between
functionalized solid monolayers and electrolytes. However, the eect of ow velocity on the
interfacial electrical potential has been relatively underexplored, which represents ample
opportunities for harvesting ambient mechanical energy. (Ling Liu, Hyuck Lim, Weiyi Lu, Yu
Qiao and Xi Chen, 2013)

FIGURE 2.2 mechanical to- electric energy conversion.

Renewable Energy Sources and their Applications
The worlds energy system is on the verge of a major transformation as a result of climate
change and resource scarcity (Abramsky and Sparking, 2010). In order to massively reduce CO2
emissions, there is a need to build a new energy system that is based on a greatly expanded use
of renewable energies. It is almost certain that in 20 or 30 years time the world will have a very
different energy system from the one that currently exists. In discussions of climate change, it is
frequently stated that it is urgent to reduce CO2 emissions by 40% below what were 1990 levels
by the year 2020, and further still to 95% by 2050. Northern countries are undoubtedly the main
emitters, which need to implement these reductions. The technological building blocks for the
transition to a sustainable energy future already exist in the form of decentralized cogeneration
plants, wind turbines, large and small biogas plants, solar energy and various types of biomass
for energy purposes. The primary task, therefore, is to integrate the various forms of renewable
energy, sometimes in combination with natural gas, in order to achieve the maximum utilization
of renewable energy.
Provide sustainable energy services. Switching over to renewable-based energy systems
is being increasingly considered by various countries globally. With refinements in technology
the feasibility and cost of solar and wind power systems have become affordable. Also with the
policy interventions and technology refinements, market systems are rapidly evolving in favour
of renewable energy systems. Renewable energy supply is dominated by traditional biomass,
mostly fuel wood used for cooking and heating, especially in developing countries in Africa,
Asia and Latin America. A major contribution is also obtained from the use of large hydropower
and solar energy, wind energy, modern bio-energy, geothermal energy, and small hydropower
energy sources are being increasingly tapped. Such a situation calls for implementation of
aggressive long term renewable energy programmes and creating awareness about benefits of
renewable energy in urban and rural settings for domestic and commercial purposes.

Piezoelectric Ceramics Characterization

During World War II, research in piezoelectric materials expanded to the U.S., the Soviet
Union and Japan. Up until then, limited performance by these materials inhibited
commercialization but that changed when a major breakthrough came with the discovery of
barium titanate and lead zirconate titanate (PZT) in the 1940s and 1950s respectively. These
families of materials exhibited very high dielectric and piezoelectric properties. Furthermore,
they offered the possibility of tailoring their behavior to specific responses and applications by
the use of dopants. To date, PZT is one of the most widely used piezoelectric materials. It is
noted that most commercially available ceramics (such as barium titanate and PZT) are based on
the perovskite structure (Figure 1). The perovskite structure (ABO3) is the simplest arrangement
where the corner-sharing oxygen octahedra are linked together in a regular cubic array with
smaller cations (Ti, Zr, Sn, Nb etc.) occupying the central octahedral B-site, and larger cations
(Pb, Ba, Sr, Ca, Na etc.) filling the interstices between octahedra in the larger A-site. Compounds
such as BaTiO3, PbTiO3, PbZrO3, NaNbO3 and KNbO3 have been studied at length and their
high temperature ferroelectric and antiferroelectric phases have been extensively exploited. This
structure also allows for multiple substitutions on the A-site and B-site resulting in a number of
useful though more complex compounds such as (Ba,Sr)TiO3, (Pb,Sr)(Zr,Ti)O3, Pb(Fe,Ta)O3,
(KBi)TiO3 etc.

Transformer Basics
The Voltage Transformer can be thought of as an electrical component rather than an
electronic component. A transformer basically is very simple static (or stationary) electro-
magnetic passive electrical device that works on the principle of Faradays law of induction by
converting electrical energy from one value to another.

The transformer does this by linking together two or more electrical circuits using a
common oscillating magnetic circuit which is produced by the transformer itself. A transformer
operates on the principals of electromagnetic induction, in the form of Mutual Induction.

Mutual induction is the process by which a coil of wire magnetically induces a voltage
into another coil located in close proximity to it. Then we can say that transformers work in the
magnetic domain, and transformers get their name from the fact that they transform one
voltage or current level into another.

Transformers are capable of either increasing or decreasing the voltage and current levels
of their supply, without modifying its frequency, or the amount of electrical power being
transferred from one winding to another via the magnetic circuit.
 A single phase voltage transformer basically consists of two electrical coils of wire, one
called the Primary Winding and another called the Secondary Winding. For this tutorial we
will define the primary side of the transformer as the side that usually takes power, and the
secondary as the side that usually delivers power. In a single-phase voltage transformer the
primary is usually the side with the higher voltage.

These two coils are not in electrical contact with each other but are instead wrapped together
around a common closed magnetic iron circuit called the core. This soft iron core is not solid
but made up of individual laminations connected together to help reduce the cores losses.

The two coil windings are electrically isolated from each other but are magnetically linked
through the common core allowing electrical power to be transferred from one coil to the other.
When an electric current passed through the primary winding, a magnetic field is developed
which induces a voltage into the secondary winding as shown.

Annual amount of rainfall

The Climate of the Philippines is tropical and maritime. It is characterized by relatively

high temperature, high humidity and abundant rainfall. Rainfall is the most important climatic
element in the Philippines. Rainfall distribution throughout the country varies from one region to
another, depending upon the direction of the moisture-bearing winds and the location of the
mountain systems. The mean annual rainfall of the Philippines varies from 965 to 4,064
millimeters annually. Baguio City, eastern Samar, and eastern Surigao receive the greatest
amount of rainfall while the southern portion of Cotabato receives the least amount of rain. At
General Santos City in Cotabato, the average annual rainfall is only 978 millimeters.
 Figure 2.3. Daily rainfall amount of July 1 and 2, 2017
(Source: Abastillas, R. (2017) and PAGASA)

Figure 2.4. average annual rainfall and typhoon frequencies in every region in the Philippines.
(Source: Concepcion, 2004)
Synthesis of related literatures

The Discovery of Piezoelectric Effect and Its Applications discusses about the literal

meaning and the mechanism of the piezoelectric effect. According to Pierre and Jacques Curie,

piezoelectric effect is the reversible process and the interaction between the electrical and

mechanical state of crystals. The said literature is relevant to the present study since the

researchers became knowledgeable about the discovery of piezoelectric effect. The literature also

explained the mechanism and the applications brought by the piezoelectric effect.

Day and Lees Understanding piezoelectric transformers in CCFL backlight applications

states that the amount of input energy versus output energy, is a way of measuring the efficiency

of a transducer every time energy conversion takes place, some of the energy will be lost thus,

the greater the amount of output energy produced, the greater the level of efficiency is present.

The literature supports the present study as it tackles about the transformers and its applications

in the field of piezoelectricity. The present study will utilize a certain type of transformer which

the literature discusses.

Seasonal climate outlook discusses about the climate condition of the Philippines during

the month of July to December. It specifies the difference of the conditions in the months of July

to September and from October to December. The literature will give ideas to the researchers on

what to expect the said months. The intensity of the expected rainfall during those months will

be easily determined due to the climate outlook presented by the Philippine Atmospheric,

Geophysical, Astronomical, Services Administration.

Mechanical energy is produced when an energy source is expended to create the physical

motion of an object. In the case of a human being, the body burns nutrients from food which is
then used to perform work like pedaling a bicycle. In this case, nutrients are converted into

physical, mechanical force to propel the bicycle. The mechanical energy can then be converted to

electrical energy through a generator where magnets and coils turn motion into voltage and

current. The said literature is significant to the present study for the researchers became aware of

the conversion from the mechanical energy to electrical energy. It gives the researchers the idea

that the mechanical stress of the raindrop kinetic energy can be converted to electrical energy.

The article entitled Renewable Energy Sources and their Applications promotes eco-

friendly technologies and to ensure the proper use of man power and institutional facilities

worldwide Behl et al. (2013) published a collective review of thirty six renewable sources of

energy including their policies globally. This information will fortify the present study by means

of the advantages of renewable sources which the present study promotes as well. This also

serves as a comparative evaluation of other renewable sources of energy with the present study.

In a climate review about the amount of rainfall made by Abastillas, R. (2017), the annual

amount of rainfall is shown in an illustration the month of June and the first two days of July.

The tropical marine climate of the Philippines altered seasonally. From June to December, the

country experiences a rainy season. From October to February, the north eastern monsoon brings

cold winds thus creating cool and dry weather. From March to May, the Philippines experiences

very hot summers. The information above will help the present study since the amount of rainfall

is one of the variables that will justify the study.

In a literature entitled Piezoelectric effect of Lead zirconate titanate and application, it is

said that the discovery of this particular phenomenon, known as piezoelectric effect lead to the

acquisition of a number of permanently polarized materials which are now distinctively used for

industrial purposes, especially in electricity generation. The information provided is relevant

with the present study since it highlights the reasonable discovery and application of lead

zirconate titanate (PZT), which will be utilized in constructing the actual piezoelectric transducer

that is the controlled variable of the present study.

The Transformer Basics defined that transformers are susceptible to the amplification and

reduction of voltage and current levels from the supply without completely changing components

such as the frequency or amount of electrical power transported from one winding to another. A

single phase voltage transformer generally includes a primary winding and a secondary winding

which are the two sides of the transformer that has significant operations. The primary winding is

basically the side of the transformer which takes power and also has a higher voltage than the

secondary winding. on the other hand, the secondary winding is the side of the transformer

which delivers power.

Review of related studies

Energy Harvesting Using a Piezoelectric "Cymbal" Transducer in Dynamic

Environment

In the study conducted by Hyeoung Woo Kim, Amit Batra, Shashank Priya, Kenji

Uchino, Douglas Markley, Robert E. Newnham and Heath F. Hofmann (2004), we investigated

the capability of harvesting the electrical energy from mechanical vibrations in a dynamic

environment through a "cymbal" piezoelectric transducer. Targeted mechanical vibrations lie in

the range of 50150 Hz with force amplitude in the order of 1 kN (automobile engine vibration

level). It was found that under such severe stress conditions the metalceramic composite

transducer "cymbal" is a promising structure. The metal cap enhances the endurance of the

ceramic to sustain high loads along with stress amplification. In this preliminary study, the

experiments were performed at the frequency of 100 Hz on a cymbal with 29 mm diameter and 1

mm thickness under a force of 7.8 N. At this frequency and force level, 39 mW power was

generated from a cymbal measured across a 400 k resistor. A DCDC converter was designed

which allowed the transfer of 30 mW power to a low impedance load of 5 k with a 2% duty

cycle and at a switching frequency of 1 kHz.

A review of power harvesting using piezoelectric materials

In a study conducted by By: S. Anton and H. Sodano (2007), the field of power

harvesting has experienced significant growth over the past few years due to the ever-

increasing desire to produce portable and wireless electronics with extended life spans.

Current portable and wireless devices must be designed to include electrochemical batteries as
the power source. The use of batteries can be troublesome due to their limited lifespan, thus

necessitating their periodic replacement. In the case of wireless sensors that are to be placed in

remote locations, the sensor must be easily accessible or of a disposable nature to allow the

device to function over extended periods of time. Energy scavenging devices are designed to

capture the ambient energy surrounding the electronics and convert it into usable electrical

energy. The concept of power harvesting works towards developing self-powered devices that

do not require replaceable power supplies. A number of sources of harvestable ambient energy

exist, including waste heat, vibration, electromagnetic waves, wind, flowing water, and solar

energy. While each of these sources of energy can be effectively used to power remote

sensors, the structural and biological communities have placed an emphasis on scavenging

vibrational energy with piezoelectric materials. This article will review recent literature in the

field of power harvesting and present the current state of power harvesting in its drive to create

completely self-powered devices.

Controlledsource analogous circuit and SPICE models for piezoelectric transducers

There are a lot of models of circuit that can be conducted to create a piezoelectric device

that will be used to generate electricity. One is the use of the transmission line analogous circuit

that utilizes not the traditional transformer but rather the controlled sources. It is used to model

the linking between the electrical and the mechanical systems. Another model and method are

the SPICE and novel method that shows different structure but with the sameness in nature of

functionality. Through this study conducted by W.M. Leach, the researchers can find the

appropriate model and method that will best suit the research conducted. Also, the circuits can be

derived from both the thickness-mode piezoelectric transducer and the side-electrode bar
piezoelectric transducer. Therefore, it is proven that piezoelectric transducers can be used in

different aspects under certain conditions.

Advance in energy harvesting using low profile piezoelectric transducers

Priya, S. J Electroceram (2007) conducted a study presenting the advances in energy

harvesting using low profile piezoelectric transducers. Since many sensors needed a battery

source, this study led to a focused research effort on the on-board power sources which can

replace the batteries. The concern with batteries has been that they must always be charged

before use. Similarly, the sensors and data acquisition components in distributed networks

require centralized energy sources for their operation. In some applications such as sensors for

structural health monitoring in remote locations, geographically inaccessible temperature or

humidity sensors, the battery charging or replacement operations can be tedious and expensive.

This review article provides a comprehensive coverage of the recent developments in the area of

piezoelectric energy harvesting using low profile transducers and provides the results for various

energy harvesting prototype devices.

Progress in Kinetic energy harvesting for wide application

Khalig et al (2009) conducted a study presenting the latest progress in kinetic energy

harvesting for wide application ranging from implanted devices and wearable electronic devices

to mobile electronics and self-powered wireless network nodes. Stated in their study are the

advances in energy harvesters adopting piezoelectric and electromagnetic transduction

mechanisms. Piezoelectric generators converts mechanical strain on the active material to

electric charge while electromagnetic generators make use of the relative motion between a

conductor and a magnetic flux to induce charge in the conductor.

Harvesting of kinetic energy of the raindrops

Perera et al (2014) presented a methodology in harvesting kinetic energy of the raindrops

using piezoelectric devices. The study includes a PVDF (Polyvinylidene flouride) piezoelectric

membrane, which is fixed by the four edges, is considered for the numerical simulation on the

deformation of the membrane due to the impact of the raindrops. Then according to the drop size

of the rain, the simulation is performed classifying the rainfall types into three categories as light

stratiform rain, moderate stratiform rain, and heavy thundershower. The study shows finding

such that the impact force of the raindrop is dependent on the terminal velocity of the raindrop,

which is a function of raindrop diameter.

Comparative study between piezoelectric transducers and other sensors

Elsevier B.V. (1995) conducted a study about the differences of other sensors to

piezoelectric transducers. He stated that piezoelectric transducer converts electrical signals into

mechanical vibrations or vice versa by utilizing the morphological change of a crystal which

occurs on voltage application, or conversely by monitoring the voltage application, or conversely

by monitoring the voltage generated by a voltage applied on crystal.

Multilayered Unipoled Piezoelectric Transformers

S. Priya, S. Ural, H.W. Kim, K. Uchino and T. Ezaki (2004) describes a multi-layer

piezoelectric voltage and power transformer which has one direction poling, operates in a wide-

frequency range and delivers both step-up and step-down voltages by inverting the electrical

connections. In this design, the input and output electrodes are on the same side of the disk and

are isolated from each other by a fixed gap. Investigations were performed on a disk of diameter

29.1 mm. The electrode pattern is a ring/dot structure, where a strip connects the dots. Various

ratios of input to output area were studied and it was found that area ratio in the range of 2.83.3

or the output diameter in range of 1315 mm yields high power and efficiency. The power

density for the optimized single layer transformer was 40 W/cm3 while that for the 3-layer

structure was 25 W/cm3. Though the power increased with multilayer structure, the effective

power density decreased because of the interlayer constraints.

Synthesis of Related Studies

In the study conducted by Hyeoung Woo Kim, et a in 2004l, the capability of harvesting

electrical energy using 'cymbal' as piezoelectric transducer was investigated. The group also found

out that cymbals are good transducers especially under severe conditions for it is a metal-ceramic

composite transducer. This finding helps the researcher to understand the mechanism of piezoelectric

transducer as a mean of harvesting electrical energy from mechanical stress. Their study also

includes the numerical quantity of frequency and force level that makes their study feasible. Kim et

als study is similar to the present research for both aims to create electrical energy through the use of

piezoelectric transducers. However, the main difference is that the use of cymbal or any specific

piezoelectric transducer is not shown in the present study unlike in the related study.

Henry Sodano and S. Anton's "A review of power harvesting using piezoelectric materials"

in 2007, shows that energy-scavenging devices can help in the field of power harvesting as these

devices operates a lot longer than that of battery-operated devices. Also, according to them, there are

a number of sources of harvestable energy including waste heat, vibration, solar energy and the likes

that can be used in harvesting energy. This study helped the researchers to choose piezoelectric

transducer (for it converts mechanical to electrical energy when tapped) as a variable in the present

study. One similarity of Sodano and Anton's study and the present study is that they both use

vibrations as means of triggering the energy harvest. On the other hand, the related study shows the

different sources of harvestable energy which is not illustrated in the present study.

The study about the controlled-source analogous by W,M, Leach discussed about the linking

of the electrical and the mechanical systems. Both studies apply piezoelectric transducers in
creating new devices that trigger piezoelectricity effect. The two studies differ from each other for

the related study uses controlled-source analogous circuit in creating piezoelectric devices while the

present study will just be purchasing piezoelectric transducers but will create own circuit with the

transformer.

The study conducted by Electroceram and Priya in 2007 entitled "Advance in energy

harvesting using low profile piezoelectric transducers" discussed about the use of on-board power

sources rather than batteries. The findings of this study are relevant to the present study since it

will give information about the advances in energy harvesting using low profile piezoelectric

transducers. This will greatly help the present study because it shows the different results of low

profile piezoelectric transducers prototypes.The goal of both studies is to modify new devices that

can be used in harvesting energy out of another form of energy. However, Electroceram and Priya's

study also provides the array of recent piezoelectric developments in its field.

The wide application of piezoelectric devices studied in 2009 by Khalig and his co-

researchers, stated that there is a modification of devices made from simple to wearable devices. Its

relationship to the present study is by means of harvesting kinetic energy using piezoelectric

generators. The same process will be used in the present study except for the variables

specifically the producer of kinetic energy.

"Harvesting of kinetic energy of the raindrops" is a study conducted by Perera et al in 2014

which uses raindrops in harvesting mechanical energy to electrical energy. The said study will serve

as a basis for the methodology of the present study. Though both investigatory projects seem to

have a similarity especially on the experimental procedure, the said study focused in terms of the

diameter of the raindrop and its impact on the piezoelectric transducer whereas the present study
will actually determine the efficiency of piezoelectric transducer in harvesting raindrop kinetic

energy through assessing it on electronic devices.

According to the "Comparative study between piezoelectric transducers and other sensors"

conducted by Elsevier B.V. in 1995, piezoelectric transducers can convert electrical signals into a

mechanical vibrations or vice versa by use of the morphological change of a crystal. The Study is

applicable to the present study for it became the reference or basis of using the piezoelectric

transducer in the present study. The findings of the study are relevant to the present study since this

shows how the sensors differ from each other. This study shows how the piezoelectric transducer

isolates itself from any other transducer.

The "Multilayered Unipoled Piezoelectric Transformers" of Priya, et al in 2004 states that the

piezoelectric voltage and transformer can operate in wide frequency range. It is significant to the

present study for it uses numerical quantities that will serve as the basis usage and comparison as

well. However, the two studies are different from each other because the related study focused on the

multilayered unipoled piezoelectric transformers while the present study uses an ordinary transformer

as a variable.
Conceptual Theoretical framework

Below is the conceptual framework of the study:

Dependent Variable Independent Variable

a. Light intensity of the LED

bulb a. No. of piezoelectric
b. Time it takes for the mobile transducers
phone to be fully charged b. Amount of rainfall

Figure 1. Research Paradigm

The light intensity of the LED bulb and the time it takes for the mobile phone to be fully
charged depend on the number of piezoelectric transducers and the amount of rainfall
.

Hypotheses of the study

H0:

The researchers posit propositions that will serve as a tentative answer to the previously
stated problems.

1. The amount of energy harvested using piezoelectric transducer is not enough to generate
electricity.
2. The amount of rainfall does not affect the measure of electricity generated by the
piezoelectric transducers.
3. There is no significant difference between the amount of energy generated using different
number of piezoelectric transducer (10. 15, 20, and 25 piezoelectric transducers).
Assumptions of the Study

The researchers' assumptions on the study can be summarized into three main points.
First, the piezoelectric device can generate electricity regardless to the number of transducers to
be used. It is said so by the researchers because their related studies suggest that there is no
particular number of transducers needed in order to conduct heat and provide electricity. Another
assumption is that, the amount of rainfall affects the movement of electricity from the transducer
to the device. In other words, the more and the faster the rainfall is, the faster the rate of electric
flow. While the lesser and slower the rainfalls, the slower the rate of electric flow. And lastly, the
amount of piezoelectric transducer is indeed enough to generate electricity in certain devices. It's
because piezoelectricity is the result of the conversion of mechanical stress to electrical energy;
thus, the piezoelectric device is capable of producing energy due to the tapping of the transducers
that triggers the mechanical stress.

Definition of terms

Electrical current- a flow of electric charge by moving electrons.

Electrical energy- energy produces by the movement of electrons
A movement of charged particles through a wire from a power plant to our homes and
businesses.
Energy harvesting- Scavenging of renewable energy
Energy is derived from external sources captured and stored for small, wireless
autonomous devices, like those used in wearable electronics and wireless sensor
networks.
Kinetic energy- energy associated with motion
- the energy possessed by a body because of its motion, equal to one half the mass of
the body times the square of its speed.
Mechanical energy- is the power that an object sets from its position and motion
Mechanical stress- force that is needed so that piezoelectric transducers would generate
electricity.
 Piezoelectric effect- the property exhibited by some non-conducting crystals of
becoming electrically polarized
Piezoelectric transducer device that triggers piezoelectric effect
- Type of electro acoustic transducer that converts the electrical charges produces by
some forms of solid materials into energy.

Rain drop- The producer of mechanical stress that will be utilized as a variable in the
study.
 CHAPTER 3
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

This chapter shows the materials and processes to be utilized and undergone by the
researches in order to perform and create a raindrop-kinetic energy harvesting umbrella.

Materials and Specifications

The materials and its brief description are stated below.

Materials Quantity

Lead zirconate titanate ceramics (3.4m) 15

Connecting wires 10
Washer (3.4m) 1
Portable transformer (110V) 1
Umbrella (automatic) 1
USB port 1
Soldering iron 1
Multimeter 1
LED Bulb 1
Mobile phones 2
Table 3.1.The parameters to be used in conducting the experiment.

Specifications

Lead zirconate titanate ceramics (PZT) are the widely used piezoelectric materials that
are malleable and can be mechanically transformed into rings, tubes and discs. It is
placed in a piezoelectric transducer in which when tapped, it can produce electricity. In
the study, the researchers will be using 15 pieces of lead zirconate titanate ceramics.
Connecting wires are conductive materials which will be linked from one terminal power
source 9piezoelectric transducer) to the transformer.
 Washer is the tiny metal disc where the other half of the connecting wires is placed. It
serves as the housing base of the PZT.
Portable transformer is an electrical device that transfers electrical energy between two or
more circuits. This will process the conversion of raindrop kinetic energy to electrical
energy.
Automatic umbrella is the device on where the piezoelectric transducers and the
circuitries are placed.
USB Port is a standard cable connection where the efficiency of the experiment is tested.
Soldering iron is used in joining or sealing wires and other metal (ferroelectric materials)
Multi meter is a device used in measuring voltage (volts), resistance (ohms) and current
(ampere).

Research Design

In order to actualize the study, the researchers came up with the following procedures:

PHASE I: Preparation of materials

The PZT ceramics, connecting wires, portable transformer and the soldering iron will be
purchased in a local hardware shop.
Gather all the materials needed

PHASE II: Piezoelectric transducer

The PZT and the washer will be attached together using the soldering iron.
A connecting wire will be linked in the one end of the PZT and another connecting wire
is connected to the portable transformer.
To ensure that the piezoelectric transducer works, set the multi meter to AC volts and
press the piezoelectric transducer.

PHASE III: Installation and finishing touches

Piezoelectric
transducers
Portable
transformer
and USB port

Figure 3.1 Piezoelectric transducer schematic diagram and illustration of the output

Place the piezoelectric transducer at the cap of the umbrella. Each piezoelectric
transducer must be aligned and are one inch apart from each other. Attach the transformer at the
handle of the umbrella together with the USB port. Connect the piezoelectric transducers to the
transformer using connecting wires.
FINAL PHASE: Evaluation of the prototype

The actual device will be evaluated using two uncharged smart phone and an LED bulb.
The efficiency of the actual device will be measured according to the time it is fully charged and
the light intensity of the bulb. The average time evaluated during the evaluation will be recorded
and compared.

Experimental Procedure

The materials, procedures and methods utilized in the study that was followed by the
researchers to obtain the results are presented in the flowchart.

Preparation of Materials

Lead zirconate titanate

ceramics (3.4m)
Connecting wires
Washer (3.4m)
Portable transformer (110V)
Umbrella (automatic)
USB port
Soldering iron
Multimeter
LED Buld
Mobile phones

Constructing the Piezoelectric Transducer

Installation and finishing touches

Evaluation of the prototype

References
Ford, C. (2016). Retrieved from https://www.explainthatstuff.com
Leach, W. (2002). Retrieved from:
http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/docment/265821/?reload=true
Priya, S. (2007) Advances in energy harvesting using low profile piezoelectric transducers.
Journal of Electroceramics, 167-184
Yang, C. (2016) Retrieved from: http://www.electronicdesign.com
Zervos, H. (2013). Retrieved from: http://www.idtechex.com