Chapter I: Introduction
1.0 Introduction
Electric power is a necessity for the development of a society, Renewable
energy is a good alternative for energy supply in regions where conventional
power networks are absent or service quality is intermittent. Energy
requirement is becoming a prerequisite to enhance income, improved life
quality for individuals no matter where they are and even when exactly the
time would. Renewable energy is becoming economically competitive in the
short to medium term.
It can optimize power systems with multiple combinations such as wind,
solar, hydropower, foot step, diesel and gasoline generators, using genetic
algorithms for the optimization result (Garcia, Diaz, & Guzman, 2017).
1.1 Background
At present, electricity has become a lifeline for human population. Energy is nothing but the
ability to do the work. In day to day life, Electricity is most commonly used energy resource. [2]
Its demand is increasing day by day. Modern technology needs a huge amount of electrical
power for its various operations. Electricity has become important resources for human being
hence, it is needed that wasted energy must have to utilize, walking is the most common activity
done by human being while walking energy is wasted in the form of vibration to the surface. In
this electric power is generated as nonconventional method. And this wasted energy can be
converted into electricity using the principle called piezoelectric effect. Piezoelectricity effect
refers to the ability of some materials to generate an electric potential in response to applied
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pressure. piezoelectric material can provide the magic of converting pressure exerted by the
moving people into electric current (Yogesh, Pooja, Madhushri & Jayashree, 2017).
Human kinetic energy can be useful in a number of ways but it can also be used to generate
electricity based on different approaches and many organizations are already implementing
human powered technologies to generate electricity to power small electronic appliances [5].
Proposal for the utilization of waste energy of foot power with human locomotion is very much
relevant and important for highly populated countries like India and China where mobility of its
masses will turn into boon in generating electricity from its footsteps. In India, places like roads,
railway stations, bus stands, are all over crowded and millions of people move round the clock
(K. NARESH, A. BALAJI, M. RAMBABU & G. NAGARAJU, 2018).
Based on information gathered through researching previous work in the field of regenerative electricity it
can be determined that electricity conversion through the usage of piezoelectric materials seems to be the
most practical for implementation on a large scale. The goals for the project include constructing a system
which can harvest energy that is expended through walking in order to power low consumption mobile
electronics. By replacing the conventional soles of a shoe with PZT material 2 it is then possible to
convert the mechanical energy in the form of heal strikes into electrical energy that can be stored through
a linear low power collection unit. This power can then be used to provide electricity for devices that
would otherwise rely on other primary and secondary batteries (MATSIKO EMMANUEL, 2019)
This process involves number of simple setup that are installed under the walking platform.
When people walk on this platform their body weight compresses the setup which rotates a
dynamo or Sanyo coil and current produced is stored in dry battery. To reduce the external
compression, a responsive sub - flooring system is installed. And while the power producing
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platform is over crowded with moving population, energy is produced at larger levels (K.
NARESH, A. BALAJI, M. RAMBABU & G. NAGARAJU, 2018).
1.2 Problem statement
Electricity is one of the daily requirements of life. It is required to increase as much as sources of
renewable energy. This system can be used for utilization of waste energy of foot step to provide
electricity during the cut-off of electricity in some places like gym or any crowded places. For
example, there is cut-off of electricity because of that, gym members are not able to measure
their weight on weighting scale and in the night, visibility is disappear due to cut-off of
electricity. This system can be used with different techniques like use with weighting scale etc.
Foot Step Power Generation‟ is based on the piezoelectric sensor to apply this system wooden plates up
and down will be placed and adjusted on the piezoelectric sensor and moving spring. The force is applied
when the person is walking on that mat and the magnet is fixed on the upper portion of the wooden sheet
as a result of force, and moves into the cavity, Therefore, this promising technology can be used to
generate large amounts of power. During this process, various small assemblies are installed under the
walkway.
1.3 Research Questions
What are the most efficient technologies for converting mechanical energy from footsteps into
electrical energy?
How can the efficiency of power generation systems using footsteps be improved for
large-scale applications?
How to generate the electricity through the human foot?
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How to save conventional energy sources?
How to store the electricity for further use?
How to produce electricity at cheapest cost?
1.4 Purpose of foot step
The purpose of this project is to explore and develop a sustainable, innovative solution for
harnessing mechanical energy generated from human footsteps and converting it into usable
electrical power. With the growing demand for renewable energy sources and the need for more
sustainable practices, this project aims to contribute to the development of environmentally
friendly energy harvesting technologies.
1. Energy Harvesting: To investigate the potential of using human footsteps as a renewable
source of energy, particularly in high-traffic areas such as airports, shopping malls, and public
transport stations. This project aims to design and implement a system that can effectively capture
and convert the kinetic energy from footsteps into electrical power.
2. Sustainability: To reduce reliance on conventional energy sources by developing an eco-
friendly method of power generation. By utilizing everyday human activity, this project seeks to
promote the idea of decentralized, clean energy production that can contribute to reducing the
carbon footprint of urban environments.
3. Integration with Smart Systems: To investigate how footstep-generated power can be
integrated with existing infrastructure, such as smart buildings, traffic lights, or low-power
devices, creating a practical, scalable solution for urban energy needs.
4. Efficiency Optimization: To explore and improve the efficiency of various technologies, such as
piezoelectric devices and electromagnetic generators, in harvesting energy from footfalls. The
project aims to develop systems that maximize energy output while minimizing costs and
maintenance requirements.
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5. Societal Impact: To raise awareness about the potential of footstep-powered energy generation
and its role in promoting sustainability in everyday life. By demonstrating the viability of this
technology, the project aims to inspire communities to adopt alternative energy solutions and
reduce their dependency on non-renewable sources.
1.5 Objectives of the study
To Design and Implementation of AC/DC Power Harvesting using Human Foot Step.
The basic objective would be to study the techniques of footstep generation and to successfully
compare the methods that followed for each power generation. Modeling of this system and
interfacing the electrical hardware would be the prime importance. After designing, the obtained
parameters and design values (results) will help to implement it on hardware.
The main aim of this project is to develop much cleaner cost effective way of power generation
method, which in turns helps to bring down the global warming as well as reduce the power
shortages. In this project the conversion of the force energy in to electrical energy by using
electromagnetic induction. The control mechanism carries the copper coil, bar magnetic and dc
rechargeable battery.
To provide electricity in rural area
To promote the non-conventional energy source
To produce electricity at cheapest cost
1.6 Scope of the study
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