186
doi:10.5281/zenodo.15741536
Development of Human Energy Harvester Using
Piezoelectric Materials
Arinola Bola AJAYI
1
*, Temitope Elizabeth OYEKANMI
1
, Emmanuel Kolawole
OLOWOPOROKU
1
, Adeshola Oluremi Openibo
2
, Musiliu Olalekan ADEYINKA
1
,
Babatunde Anthony ASAOLU
1
, Ibrahim Ayinla MAHMUD
1
.
1
Mechanical Engineering Department,
Faculty of Engineering,
University of Lagos, Lagos. Nigeria
2
Mechanical Engineering Department,
Faculty of Engineering,
Lagos State University, Epe Campus. Lagos State. Nigeria
*Corresponding author: abajayi@unilag.edu.ng
ABSTRACT
This research work explores how to capture energy from human movement and convert it into usable
electrical power that can be stored and utilized later. The research employs the method of utilizing the
principle of piezoelectricity to harvest human energy from human footsteps. A model for the
piezoelectric energy harvester that works with impact of human footfalls were developed. Energy
harvesting is one of the most effective ways to respond to the increasing demand of energy and to
produce sustainable power sources from the surrounding environment without polluting the
environment. Piezoelectric energy harvester serves as a means of renewable energy and can be
employed in densely populated areas for continuous generation of electricity. Piezoelectric energy
harvesting uses a direct energy conversion of vibrations and mechanical deformation (gotten from
walking on the energy harvester) to produce electrical energy. Experimental results indicated that
integrating piezoelectric elements into human activities can yield significant power outputs for low-
energy devices. Making use of 84 piezoelectric transducers, 10 LEDs were lit up. It was found that the
amount of energy generated varies linearly with increasing weight of persons stepping on the energy
harvester, number of persons stepping on it, and the number of piezoelectric harvesters employed in
the device.
Keywords: Energy harvester, Footfalls, Human Energy, Piezoelectric crystals, Transducers,
Vibration.
1. INTRODUCTION
The pursuit of sustainable and self-sufficient energy sources has led to significant interest in energy
harvesting technologies, particularly those that can harness the ubiquitous mechanical energy
generated by human movement [1]. Piezoelectric materials, which convert mechanical stress into
electrical energy, offer a promising avenue for capturing this energy and powering wearable
electronics, sensors, and other low-power devices [2]. Human motion, whether it be walking, running,
or even subtle movements, presents a readily available and renewable energy source that can be
exploited through piezoelectric energy harvesters [3]. The development of efficient and comfortable
human energy harvesters necessitates careful consideration of material selection, device design, and
integration with the human body [4]. This exploration of piezoelectric energy harvesting focuses on
the design considerations, materials, and applications of these devices, highlighting the potential for
International Journal of Innovative Environmental Studies Research 13(2):186-194, April-June, 2025
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