February 22, 2014 [Electrical Power Generation Using Piezoelectric Ceramic Tile Design]

Devy Kartika R. | Proposed Activity 1

Electrical Power Generation

Using Piezoelectric Ceramic Tile Prototype Design

Background

World net electricity generation increases by 93 percent, from 20.2 trillion Kilo-Watt-Hours

(KWh) in 2010 to 39.0 trillion KWh in きか4か. Electricity supplies an increasing share of the world╆s total energy demand and is the world╆s fastest-growing form of delivered energy [1]. Electricity demand

will increase every year to follow population growth, prosperity improvement, and economic growth

as a whole [2]. The greater demand for electricity has been putting pressure on the availability and

cost of all natural resources.

Electricity is produced as base load, intermediate and peaking power. Base load power is the

energy necessary to keep the electric grid energized and meet customers╆ constant demand. Intermediate and peaking power are used for those parts of a day when electricity usage and energy

demand increases, and are usually much more expensive than base load. Fuel sources for base load

power include those that are economical and readily available, such as coal and nuclear.

Intermediate and peaking fuel sources include natural gas, because of its escalating costs, and

intermittent resources like solar and wind that produce electricity only when there╆s sufficient direct sunlight or sufficient sustained wind speed [3].

Coal continues to be the fuel most widely used in electricity generation [1]. Given the huge role

coal plays in meeting the electricity demands, it is important to make sure it is a clean energy source,

related to the emissions per unit of energy produced.

Nuclear plants have again become part of the discussion about how to meet the electricity

needs because they are emissions-free and operate from a virtually unlimited fuel source but there

are still questions about what to do with spent fuel [3].

Although a fossil fuel like coal, natural gas burns cleaner, and the facilities required to convert

natural gas to electricity are much less complex and expensive to build, but the supply of natural gas,

and its resulting price, have been highly unstable over the past five years, making it very expensive to

use now for generating electricity [3]. The availability of natural gas is also a concern.

At this point, wind and solar power sources are intermittent and expensive. They are not viable

options because of regular cloud cover and relatively weak, inconsistent wind patterns. In those

areas of the country where wind is promising, it is still inherently hard to capture and is widely

dispersed. Wind turbines take up a lot of space. The wind equivalent of a typical base load plant

would require 300 square miles of turbines. While the price of solar photovoltaic cells has been slowly

dropping, solar-generated electricity is still four times more expensive than nuclear (and more than

five times the cost of coal). A solar facility equivalent to a 1,000-megawatt base load plant would

require about 60 square miles of panels alone and would still be at the mercy of daylight, clouds and

natural disasters [3].

Besides the greater demand for electricity, 68% of the population in developing countries lack

access to electricity [4]. Many of the world╆s poor cannot afford to pay for electricity. When grid

power is generated by oil or other imported non-renewable sources, fluctuating prices can make the

situation even worse [5]. Because extending power-grids into rural areas is an expensive investment

and the rural poor cannot afford to pay for electricity, it is unlikely that the majority of the population

will soon have access to grid energy [4]. Many countries are experiencing ╉a power crisis.╊ This is

February 22, 2014 [Electrical Power Generation Using Piezoelectric Ceramic Tile Design]

Devy Kartika R. | Proposed Activity 2

characterized by frequent interruptions in service. Those who are fortunate enough to have access

to grid power may still not have the steady supply of energy that they need [6].

Enhancing renewable resources and off-grid energy which are unique to each community,

providing safe, reliable, and affordable service, also geographically and economically, is important

these days.

The newest concept and one of the promising options for the fulfillment of electrical energy is

the energy scavenging. Energy scavenging is defined as capturing minute amounts of energy from

one or more of the surrounding energy sources, accumulating them and storing them for later use

[7]. Energy scavenging has several advantages such as cheap, safe, maintenance free, flexible, and

can be used in various occasions. One of the sources of energy in our environment that can be used

and it is renewable, energy of vibration. This concept can be used to produce the renewable energy

in daily life and reduce the using of nonrenewable energy [8].

Vibration energy produces greater electrical energy density than other energies. The vibration

is also easily found around us. Some techniques that can be used for the conversion of vibrational

energy into electrical energy are electrostatic, electromagnetic and piezoelectric. Piezoelectric

materials have a high priority because of its stable energy density and it does not require outside

powers (N. Muensit, 2012). Piezoelectric materials can be used as a source of energy harvester, which

can be applied as a supplier of power to the sensor (UK Singh, 2007). In addition, the piezoelectric

material has the ability to convert mechanical stress into electrical energy (H, A Sodano, 2004) [8].

Piezoelectric effect is a unique property that allows materials to convert mechanical energy to

electrical energy and conversely, electrical energy to mechanical energy. The stimuli for piezoelectric

materials can be human walking, wind, rain, tide and wave. This effect can be an inherent property of

the material or it can be imparted to an existing non-piezoelectric material [9]. However, not every

material can be made piezoelectric; only certain crystal ceramics have the ability to become

piezoelectric [10].

One of the stimuli for piezoelectric materials is vibration, applied by human. Scholer, et. al.

were placing piezoelectric devices that are used to capture energy from foot traffic underneath

airport terminals. Shoes striking a piezoelectric pad underneath a floor tile act like a hammer hitting

the crystal material inside the pad. This energy from the shoe then creates a voltage that can be used

to power lighting systems. Hundreds or even thousands of these piezoelectric devices installed

underneath flooring to capture the kinetic energy from walking [11].

Japan has already started experimenting use of piezoelectric effect for energy generation by

installing special flooring tiles at its capitals╆ two busiest stations [がき]. The special flooring tiles

embedded with piezoelectric elements, which are 35 millimeters in diameter, and disc-shaped

components used for loudspeakers. It uses 600 of these elements per square meter. While the

loudspeaker creates sound by converting electric signals to vibrations, the floor adopts the reverse

mechanism that produces electricity by harnessing the vibration power [11]. Tiles are installed in

front of ticket turnstiles. Thus every time a passenger steps on mats, they trigger a small vibration

that can be stored as energy. Energy thus generated by single passenger multiplied by many times

over by the 400,000 people who use Tokyo station on an average day, according to East Japan

Railway, which generates sufficient energy to light up electronic signboards. An average person

weighing 60 kg will generate only 0.1 watt in the single second required to take two steps across the

tile, but when they are covering a large area of floor space and thousands of people are stepping or

jumping on them, then significant amount of power can be generated. This energy created is

sufficient to run automatic ticket gates and electronic displays [12].

February 22, 2014 [Electrical Power Generation Using Piezoelectric Ceramic Tile Design]

Devy Kartika R. | Proposed Activity 3

)n Netherlands, Rotterdam╆s new club WATT has a floor that harnesses the energy created by

dancer╆s steps. Designed by Dutch company called the Sustainable Dance club, the floor is based on the piezoelectric effect. As club goers dance on floor, the floor is compressed by less than half an

inch. It makes contact with the piezoelectric material under it and generates around 2-20 watts of

electricity, depending on the impact of the dancers╆ feet. Though at present, it╆s just enough to power LED light present in the floor, but in future, more output is expected from newer technology.

In London, Surya, another new eco-nightclub, uses the same principle for its dance floor to generate

electricity [12].

The promising application of piezoelectric effect for capturing the vibration, applied by human,

is ceramic tiles. When such tiles are installed in locations where large crowd movements are

expected like in railway & bus stations, airports, malls, and a person steps on them, than by

piezoelectric effect small charge is built up on surface of crystals. Though energy generated by one

person would be too less but if number of steps on such tiles increase than energy produced by it

would increase too.

In Indonesia, due to the eruption of Mt. Kelud, Kediri, East Java on February 14th, 2014 ago, a

lot of volcanic dust in abundant quantities were covering such areas. Most of it is still untapped, but

actually volcanic dust contains 75% silica [13], which also belongs to crystal ceramics that has

potential as piezoelectric materials, and Aries Budi Marwanto, lecturer of craft art, faculty of art and

design, Indonesia Arts Institute, Surakarta, has already used it as the material for ceramic sculpture

because silica material is excellent to be used as the main ingredient of ceramic which is composed

of silica and alumina material. He admits that ceramic sculptures which are made from volcanic dust

and clay are stronger and more refined; the resulting color is also more attractive [14].

To create a ceramic sculpture, Aries mixes volcanic dust which has been filtered with clay. The

composition of it is approximately 40:60 for dust and clay. The volcanic dust must be filtered in order

to obtain a very small particle size and soft. The size of the filter is 40 mesh. Then the dough is

shaped as desire [14].

The drying process of ceramic sculpture from volcanic dust takes longer than ceramic which is

not mixed with dust. Ceramic from clay only takes two days for drying in open air, while ceramic

from volcanic dust takes up to three days. Similarly, during combustion, sculpture from volcanic dust

requires a very high temperature oh 13000C compare than ceramic clay at temperature of 10000C

[14].

Along with the common materials for the manufacture of ceramic tiles which are clay

(commonly used is kaolin (xAl2O3.ySiO2.zH2O)), feldspar (X(Al, Si)Si2O8, which X is sodium/ potassium/

calcium/ barium), and quartz (Mg2SiO4) which also belong to crystal ceramics because those

materials also contain silica, this research proposes to design ceramic tile which has piezoelectric

effect as the promising option to overcome the electricity generation╆s problems.

Objective

Identifying the piezoelectric effect on volcanic dust, kaolin (xAl2O3.ySiO2.zH2O), feldspar (X(Al,

Si)Si2O8), and quartz (Mg2SiO4).

Optimizing the piezoelectric effect (electricity generated) on volcanic dust, kaolin

(xAl2O3.ySiO2.zH2O), feldspar (X(Al, Si)Si2O8), and quartz (Mg2SiO4) as revealed by surface area

and thickness of material.

Designing the ceramic tile which has the optimum piezoelectric effect from volcanic dust, kaolin

(xAl2O3.ySiO2.zH2O), feldspar (X(Al, Si)Si2O8), and quartz (Mg2SiO4).

February 22, 2014 [Electrical Power Generation Using Piezoelectric Ceramic Tile Design]

Devy Kartika R. | Proposed Activity 4

Methodology

Sample Preparation and Raw Sample Pre-Analysis

The volcanic dust is obtained from Kediri and Yogyakarta. Kaolin (xAl2O3.ySiO2.zH2O), feldspar

(X(Al, Si)Si2O8), and quartz (Mg2SiO4) are obtained from Laboratory. Before start the experiment,

raw materials are analyzed by XRD ゅCu Kαょ to determine crystal╆s characteristics and AAS to

determine the content of silica concentration.

Experimental Process of Identifying and Optimizing the Piezoelectric Effect of

Materials as Revealed by Surface and Thickness of Materials

The materials shall be formed within a certain size by using solid state reaction method (Fig. 1).

Figure 1. Schematic Illustration of Sample Preparation by Solid State Reaction Method

The material is weighed by using high precision electronic weighing machine and ground

thoroughly in an agate mortar. It is important to grind the material thoroughly for long duration to

obtain homogeneous distribution. Thorough grinding also decreases the particle size for obtaining

close contact among the atoms. The powdered material, then, is heated (calcined) for the first time.

During the first calcinations, CO2 is liberated from powdered material. After the first heating,

obtained powder is ground thoroughly. To maintain uniform particle size, the powder is sieved, and

then is palletized using hydraulic press to a certain size. The pellets are subsequently sintered with

intermittent grindings to obtain single phase samples. Final sintering is carried out to obtain the

desired structural phase. Then, materials are analyzed by XRD ゅCu Kαょ to determine crystal╆s characteristics and AAS to determine the content of silica concentration.

1. Identifying Piezoelectric Effect of Materials

Volcanic dust, kaolin (xAl2O3.ySiO2.zH2O), feldspar (X(Al, Si)Si2O8), and quartz (Mg2SiO4) need

to be identified to determine piezoelectric effect and the magnitude of the resulting voltage by using

oscilloscope. Each material with certain size is wedged between two electrical contact surfaces. The

surfaces are made by packing layers of paper towel behind aluminum foil. This gives an aluminum foil

cushion. The material is tapped with these cushions. The applied force is same for each material.

2. Optimizing the Piezoelectric Effect of Materials as Revealed by Surface Area and Thickness of Materials

Variation in surface area and thickness of materials takes on the role as experiment╆s parameters to optimize the resulting voltage from certain size of materials.

Weighing

Grinding

Pressing

Sintering

February 22, 2014 [Electrical Power Generation Using Piezoelectric Ceramic Tile Design]

Devy Kartika R. | Proposed Activity 5

Designing the Prototype of Piezoelectric Ceramic Tile

The illustration of piezoelectric ceramic tile prototype design is showed in Fig. 2. Volcanic dust,

kaolin (xAl2O3.ySiO2.zH2O), feldspar (X(Al, Si)Si2O8), and quartz (Mg2SiO4) are mixed with distillated

water for 24 hours. Then, the mixture is dried at temperature of 1000C for 24 hours. After drying, the

mixture is ground thoroughly to obtain homogenous distribution of components and to maintain

uniform particle size, the mixture is sieved with sieve 200 mesh. The next step, the mixture is formed

at pressure of 50 MPa using hydraulic press to optimum size (optimum surface area and thickness).

Finally, the sample is sintered at temperature of 11000C for 2 hours [15].

Figure 2. Schematic Illustration of Designing the Prototype of Piezoelectric Ceramic Tile

Generating electricity by using piezoelectric ceramic tile has three main stages [8]:

1. Piezoelectric ceramic tile as electrical energy generation module, which performs the conversion

of vibration energy into electrical energy.

2. Rectifier Module as part of the conversion to electrical energy into DC power supply.

3. Functioning amplifier module comprising a voltage amplifier and voltage regulator. Output

voltage generated can be used as a source of electrical energy or can be stored in the battery.

So that, the principal on the prototype consists of (Fig.4) [8]:

1. Piezoelectric ceramic tile as converter the pressure into electrical energy.

2. The pressure generated by the foot put pressure on ceramic tile which contains piezoelectric

materials.

3. AC-DC voltage rectifier circuit (Fig. 3).

Figure 3. Bridge Rectifier Type AC to DC Converter [10]

4. DC-DC voltage booster using the Joule Thief circuit schematic or Buck Boost.

The materials are mixed with

distilled water for 24 h.

The mixture is dried at 1000C for

24 h.

The mixture is ground and

sieved with sieve 200 mesh.

The mixture is formed at

50MPa.

The sample is sintered at 11000C

for 2 h.

The piezoelectric effect of ceramic

tile is tested.

The ceramic tile is characterized.

February 22, 2014 [Electrical Power Generation Using Piezoelectric Ceramic Tile Design]

Devy Kartika R. | Proposed Activity 6

Figure 4. Job Diagram Electrical Energy Generation Process [8]

The pressure caused by foot stepping into the ceramic tile is one of the sources of vibration

that will be used as a trigger to produce energy using piezoelectric materials which is contained in

the tile. Piezoelectric material produces AC voltage. AC voltage is converted into DC voltage using

AC-DC voltage rectifier circuit. DC voltage is increased using Joule Thief Method and voltage

regulator circuit [8].

The prototype of ceramic design, then, is characterized, including shrinkage measurement,

density, fracture strength test, and resistivity measurement.

Significance

Electricity is so important. Mobile phones, computer, internet, heating system, televisions,

light bulb, almost all of modern conveniences are electrically powered. The need of electricity is

about everything. No wonder, the demand of electricity keeps increasing to follow population

growth, prosperity improvement, and economic growth as a whole. Despite the importance of

electricity and the greater demand of it, many countries still lack access of electricity. Most of the

reason is about the amount of electricity payment. Then, the piezoelectric ceramic tile is the

promising option to overcome the greater demand of electricity as well as the lack access of

electricity. Besides, the tile also can overcome the electricity problem as the survival electricity

generation when such disaster or extreme weather causes power loss.

The piezoelectric ceramic tile is not only renewable electricity source but also unique, safe,

reliable, geographically, and economically. When the tiles are installed in locations where large

crowd movements are expected, like in the railway, bus stations, airports, malls, and a person steps

on them, then by piezoelectric effect, small charge is built up on surface of crystals. Though energy

generated by one person would be too less but if number of steps on such tiles increase than

electricity charge produced by it would increase too. The electricity can be collected by use of

electrodes. Such electricity can be stored in capacitors and power can be channeled to electricity

deficient regions. This also can be used, for example, to light the street lights at night from the entire

energy stored in the batteries, for powering the household gadgets, and in short the city as a whole

saving lots of fuel used in electricity generation in an eco-friendly way.

Growing population which is considered to be a bane is used advantageously with

piezoelectric application. A nonconventional, nonpolluting form of energy can be harvested,

maintaining the economic standards of common laymen due to the electricity is produced from the

mechanical stress on the piezoelectric ceramic tile. Regardless of this project, the future of

piezoelectric materials looks bright. It is very encouraging to get a good voltage and current at such

Piezoelectric ceramic tile: pressure on the tile produce certain frequency

Piezoelectric materials which is contained in the tile produce AC voltage

AC voltage is converted into DC voltage

DC voltage is increased using Joule Thief Method and voltage regulator

Voltage can be used as source of energy

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Devy Kartika R. | Proposed Activity 7

a low cost at the same time utilizing the waste energy. Piezoelectric materials are the future of

electric power generation

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Devy Kartika R. | Proposed Activity 8

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