Piezoelectric Energy Harvester Technologies

The 3D model was designed with a sleek and simple aesthetic, prioritizing both efficiency and manufacturability.
Key design elements:

• Stress concentration points to maximize strain on the piezoelectric elements.

• Minimal wasted material for reduced cost.

• Modular layout allowing multiple piezo elements to be arranged for various harvesting applications.

During research, we discovered that piezoelectric elements act as high-impedance sources, a detail often omitted from common resources. This results in very low current output even when high voltage is achieved.
To overcome this, we designed a parallel–series hybrid circuit configuration that:

• Balances voltage and current output for practical use.

• Minimizes energy loss compared to conventional parallel-only or series-only connections.

• Enables better energy storage and usage compatibility.

Challenge 1: Piezoelectric elements produce negligible output when not strained correctly.
Solution: Designed a tile that focuses mechanical stress precisely where it’s needed.

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Challenge 2: Voltage without usable current due to high impedance.
Solution: Engineered a custom hybrid circuitry (parallel–series) to improve current flow while maintaining usable voltage.

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Challenge 3: Wasted vibration energy in everyday appliances.
Solution: Created a dedicated harvesting devices to attach to washing machines and costumizing a walking tiles, converting otherwise wasted vibration into electrical energy.

• Tile Harvester: Generates up to 65V per step, compact and easy to integrate into flooring or stepping surfaces.

• Vibration Harvester: Non-intrusive device capturing wasted vibration energy from appliances like washing machines.
  Both products demonstrate efficient energy harvesting with optimized mechanical and electrical designs, correcting misconceptions in typical piezoelectric applications.