Student-led engineering project
Footstep Energy Harvester
What if everyday movement could become a source of electrical energy?
This prototype explores how mechanical pressure from a footstep can be converted into electrical energy using piezoelectric discs — materials that generate a small voltage when squeezed.
- 10–20 PZT piezoelectric discs
- Bridge rectifier + capacitor storage
- Working LED demonstration
FIG. 01 — OVERVIEW
From Mechanical Pressure to Electrical Energy
01
The Idea
People generate mechanical energy every time they walk. This project asks whether a small part of that pressure can be captured and turned into electricity.
02
The Engineering
An array of PZT discs between acrylic plates, wired in parallel, feeds a bridge rectifier that converts AC to DC for capacitor storage.
03
The Demonstration
The capacitor releases a stable charge to power the battery. The power bank module, connected to the battery case, is used to charge a device using a USB A cable.