Footstep Power Generation

Presenter Information

Nibrasul Karim Nibras, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Sampath Senanayakalage, Minnesota State University, Mankato
Justin Shaffer, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Location

CSU Ballroom

Start Date

11-4-2017 10:00 AM

End Date

11-4-2017 11:30 AM

Student's Major

Electrical and Computer Engineering and Technology

Student's College

Science, Engineering and Technology

Mentor's Name

Puteri Megat Hamari

Mentor's Department

Electrical and Computer Engineering and Technology

Mentor's College

Science, Engineering and Technology

Description

Sustainable energy usage has been a prime target for humankind over the course of many years now. Renewable sources of energy are the key to achieving that target and generating power through footsteps is one of the prime examples. To utilize the mechanical energy created by footsteps, we design the flooring with piezo electric crystal material. The pressure from footsteps create electrical energy, which is captured by the floor sensors and then converted to electrical charge by the piezo electric transducers. This then acts as a power source and helps distribute electricity to light up streetlights, airports, railway stations, departmental stores among many others. Using capacitors, the energy can also be stored and used in remote locations or during off peak season. This is especially useful in developing countries where such areas are usually overcrowded and the energy needed to power these services are high. Generating power through footsteps can lower the economic costs and improve the efficiency in creating electricity. Budgeting from the government can also be reduced in providing electricity, as it will be created in a non-conventional method using footsteps.