부산대학교 도서관

Piezoelectricity is the charge accumulated in certain solid materials due to applied stress (mechanical stress or vibration, such as sound waves). This unique characteristic makes these materials very suitable for use as sensors to convert mechanical vibrations into signals, such as for guitar pickups and record players. The reverse is also true. By applying a voltage to the piezoelectric material, it vibrates and produces sound, which can be used as a buzzer and a small speaker. As demand for renewable energy increases, the use of piezoelectricity as a source of energy harvesting has become of interest. In recent years, it has been recognized that piezoelectric devices can be used for many purposes for low-energy mechanical sources (such as pedestrian traffic) and larger-scale passive power generation in the California highway system. Many of these methods of large-scale piezoelectric energy harvesting come with the challenge of finding an efficient way to integrate the piezoelectric transducer into existing infrastructure. By using different methods, piezoelectric sensors can be placed on wheels to generate energy on a smaller scale. This study explores this method by designing a prototype wheel to evaluate the effectiveness of arranging piezoelectric sensors radially along the outside of the wheel to generate passive electric energy from the contact of the wheel with the ground. We hope that this idea could either work in the real world or lay the groundwork for the next generation. In addition, these project-based experiential learning activities help students to master various skills, such as research, collaboration, design, construction, and technical writing, and more. The skills learned by this project were invaluable and important experiences within engineering. This Energy Wheel not only provides scientists and engineers with more valuable information about alternative energy, but also is capable of educating the everyday person about the basics of engineering as well as the importance of renewable resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]