Arado, Franklin Keith

Viray, Sergei Bjon

Staircase power on footbridge using piezoelecticity

Chapter 1 Introduction

Background of the Study

The researchers conducted this study to find an easy and clean alternative energy sources
that is in our surroundings beside the solar and wind panels that we are seeing today. Solar and
wind panels are very expensive and require certain conditions such as sunlight or wind for it to
work. Vibration energy harvesting is a fast developing field due to the wide availablity of vibration
sources and ways of harvesting them. One of the most promising method of harvesting is the
piezoelectric method. It is a simple and easy to manufacture device that can produce an ample
amount of voltages which makes it the most reasonable choice in the vibration energy field. We
would like to find out if we can use this piezoelectric technology on the stairs of a footbridge to
produce energy which can power lightings for the surroundings depending upon the amount of
power produced. A person exerts lots of force when they go up and down the stairs. The stairs will
then collect this energy to produce electricty that will power up the surroundings.

Statement of the Problem

The study was conducted in order to lessen the use of electricity production. Electricity
production has become on of important causes of global warming. The heat that is being produced
has contributed to the gradual increase in the Earth’s temperature.

By reviewing all the problems, we thought of designing new form of renewable energy that
is easy to produce such as piezoelectricity that would be a perfect option in which would be useful
in our everyday application. Piezoelectricity is clean and environmentally friendly. Its components
also require little maintenance, and the initial investment can be achieved within a relatively short
time.

Significance of the Study

At the end of this research, we would be able to apply our project to produce electricity in
a minimal scale. This energy would be used as a secondary power sources to light up the
surroundings. We can greatly reduce the total cost of electricity application. In addition, the
maintenance of piezoelectricity is minimal and the life span of a piezoelectric disk is also long.
Create a basis for future research and development in renewable energy sources. It is also a
significant product development in contributing towards green and sustainable design.
Scope and Deliminations

The respondents of the study are the people using the footbridge to cross the street. The
aim is to harness the potential reusable energy from the force exerted when going up or down the
stairs of the footbridge. The footbridge should be installed in high traffic pedestrian are such as
malls, train stations, airports, walkways, etc.

The research has to have an allocated budget enough to create the footbridge and have
sufficient materials to be used. It is not yet guaranteed on how long would it last and if it would
have an effect on a wet surface.

Definition of Terms

Piezoelectric Effect is the ability of some piezoelectric materials (such as quartz, topaz,
zinc oxide and etc.) to generate an electrical charge in feedback to the mechanical stress.
‘Piezoelectric’ word is derived from the Greek word ‘piezein’ which means to push, squeeze and
press.