• Login
    View Item 
    •   Carroll Scholars Home
    • Mathematics, Engineering and Computer Science
    • Mathematics, Engineering and Computer Science Undergraduate Theses
    • View Item
    •   Carroll Scholars Home
    • Mathematics, Engineering and Computer Science
    • Mathematics, Engineering and Computer Science Undergraduate Theses
    • View Item
    JavaScript is disabled for your browser. Some features of this site may not work without it.

    An Investigation of the use of Piezoceramics in an Energy Harvesting Flooring System as a Source of Alternative Energy

    Thumbnail
    View/Open
    2009_CifalaA_THS_000563.pdf (2.283Mb)
    Author
    Cifala, Andrew
    Date of Issue
    2009-04-01
    Subject Keywords
    piezoceramic materials, lead zirconate titanate, piezoelectric effect, ceramic
    Metadata
    Show full item record
    URI
    https://scholars.carroll.edu/handle/20.500.12647/3427
    Title
    An Investigation of the use of Piezoceramics in an Energy Harvesting Flooring System as a Source of Alternative Energy
    Type
    thesis
    Abstract
    The future and success of our country and economy are contingent on energy independence. This has sparked an interest in research concerning new and innovative forms of alternative energy production. With this new wave of modernization in the power industry come opportunities for creativity in the utilization of reliable and inexhaustible sources in order to provide usable energy. One of these new forms of alternative energy is the use of the piezoelectric effect in man-made materials in the form of ceramics. This study describes the exploration and testing of the use of mechanical energy to produce functional electricity. In my research, I investigate the efficacy of piezoceramic materials, particularly lead zirconate titanate, installed in a flooring system to create a voltage provided from the mechanical stress supplied by human footsteps- a procurable and costless mechanical application. These materials, when subjected to a force in the form of an impulse, generate an electric field, and thus a voltage. Throughout this exploration, I examine the effectiveness of a new form of alternative energy production through the use of these materials utilizing a variety of different positioning techniques, wiring schemes, force applications, electrical harvesting methods and accompanying materials.
    Degree Awarded
    Bachelor's
    Semester
    Spring
    Department
    Mathematics, Engineering & Computer Science
    Collections
    • Mathematics, Engineering and Computer Science Undergraduate Theses

    Browse

    All of Carroll ScholarsCommunities & CollectionsBy Issue DateAuthorsTitlesSubjectsThis CollectionBy Issue DateAuthorsTitlesSubjects

    My Account

    LoginRegister

    DSpace software copyright © 2002-2023  DuraSpace
    DSpace Express is a service operated by 
    Atmire NV