Electricity Generation Using Staircase

UDP PROJECT REPORT
ELECTRICITY GENERATION USING STAIRCASE
By
PATEL SHUBHAM
Under the guidance of
PROF. MAULIK H PATEL
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT
B.H.G.C.E.T
A project report submitted to
Gujarat Technological University in
Partial Fulfillment of Requirements for the
Degree of Bachelor of Engineering in
DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
OCTOBER 2016

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CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that research work embodied in this thesis entitled
“ELECTRICITY GENERATION USING STAIRCASE” was carried
out by PATEL SHUBHAM (Enrollment No. 130040119085), at
B.H.GARDI COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY for
partial fulfillment of Bachelor of Engineering degree to be awarded by
Gujarat Technological University. This research work has been carried
out under my supervision and is to my satisfaction.
Date: / /
Place: Rajkot
Internal guide H.O.D.
ASST. PROF. MAULIK H PATEL Dr. AMIT V. SATA
SIGN: SIGN:

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CANDIDATE DECLARATION
I declare that the dissertation report presented here for Bachelor of
Engineering. (Mechanical) entitled “ELECTRICITY GENERATION
USING STAIRCASE” is my own work conducted under the guidance of
Asst. Prof. Maulik H Patel
I further declare that to the best of my knowledge, this dissertation report
does not contain any part of work, which has been submitted for the award
of any degree either in this university or in other university/ deemed
university without proper citation.
Signature of Student:
Name of Student:
Patel Shubham
Enrollment No:
130040119085
Name of Guide:
Prof. Maulik H. Patel
Signature of Guide:
Department of Mechanical Engineering
B.H.GARDI COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I have taken efforts in this project. However, it would not have been possible without
the kind support and help of many individuals. I would like to extend my sincere
thanks to all of them.
I am highly indebted to Asst. Prof. Maulik H. Patel for their guidance and constant
supervision as well as for providing necessary information regarding the project &
also for their support in completing the project.
I would like to express my gratitude towards my parents & member of Gardi
Vidyapith for their kind co-operation and encouragement which help me in
completion of this project.
I would like to express my special gratitude and thanks to industry persons for giving
me such attention and time.
My thanks and appreciations also go to my colleagues in developing the project and
people who have willingly helped me out with their abilities.
Patel Shubham
DATE: / / NAME & SIGN OF STUDENT

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
CERTIFICATE.............................................................................................................II
CANDIDATE DECLARATION.................................................................................III
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.........................................................................................VII
LIST OF FIGURE.........................................................................................................X
LIST OF TABLE ........................................................................................................ XI
ABSTRACT...............................................................................................................XII
CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION................................................................................1
1.1 Piezoelectricity in everyday life.........................................................................1
1.2 Piezoelectric effect…………………………………………………………….1
1.3 History of Piezoelectricity…………………………………………………….2
1.3.1 First generation applications with natural crystals…………………..….2
1.3.2 Second generation applications with piezoelectric ceramics………..….3
1.3.3 Search for high volume markets………………………………………..4
CHAPTER-2 LITERATURE REVIEW ...................................................................5
CHAPTER-3 COMPONENTS USED IN THE PROJECT.....................................9
3.1 Piezoelectric Sensor .............................................................................................9
3.2 Battery................................................................................................................10
3.3 Inverter ...............................................................................................................11
3.3.1 Mosfet………………………………………………………………..…12
3.4 Capacitor ............................................................................................................13
3.5 Transformer........................................................................................................13
3.6 Transistor............................................................................................................14
3.7 Resistor...............................................................................................................15

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CHAPTER-4 DESIGN .............................................................................................16
4.1 Design Procedure ...............................................................................................16
CHAPTER-5 SELECTION OF MATERIAL FOR BUILDING UP THE
STAIRCASE ..............................................................................................................20
5.1 What is Weightage approach method.................................................................20
5.2 Properties of materials chosen for calculation……………………………...….20
5.1 Calculations .......................................................................................................20
CHAPTER-6 MATHEMATICAL ANALYSIS ....................................................26
CHAPTER-7 ADVANTAGES AND APPLICATIONS .......................................27
8.1 Advantages.........................................................................................................27
8.2 Applications .......................................................................................................27
CHAPTER-8 CONCLUSION AND FUTURE SCOPE .......................................28
APPENDIX-A ORIGINALITY REPORT .............................................................29
APPENDIX-B CANVAS ACTIVITY .....................................................................30
REFERENCES...........................................................................................................38

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LIST OF FIGURE
Figure 3.1 Piezoelectric Sensor……………………………………………………………9
Figure 3.2 Battery……………………………………………………………………….…10
Figure 3.3 Inverter……………………………………...……………………………..…..11
Figure 3.3.1Mosfet…………………………………..………………………………….…12
Figure 3.4 Capacitor……………..…………………………………………………….…13
Figure 3.5Transformer……………………...………………………………………….…14
Figure 3.6 Transistor…………………………….………....……………………….…....14
Figure 3.7Resistor……………………………...……………………………..….……….15
Figure 4.1 Basic mechanical block diagram.……………………………….………….16
Figure 4.2 Front view (F.V.) of the proposed mechanical block……….……………16
Figure 4.3 Back view (B.V.) of the proposed mechanical block.…….………………17
Figure 4.4 Isometric view (I.V.) of the proposed mechanical block.……….…….…17
Figure 4.5 Right hand side view (R.H.S..V.) of the proposed mechanical block..…18
Figure B.1 CANVAS 1 (Observation matrix)……………………..……………….……31
Figure B.2 CANVAS 2 (AEIOU Summary)...……………………..…………….………33
Figure B.3 CANVAS 3 (Ideation Canvas)...…..…………………..………….…………35
Figure B.4 CANVAS 4 (Product Development Canvas)…….…..……….……………36

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LIST OF TABLE
Table 5.3.1 Materials and properties of various materials .........................................20
Table 5.3.2 Total weightage points after calculation for various materials ..............23
Table 6.1 Relationship between Power (P) and Weight (Wt) .....................................26

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ABSTRACT
With an increasing demand of electricity all round the world, there is a need to
produce a sufficient amount of it to provide a constant supply. In India still few states
are facing power cuts in summer and many villages have supply for either day or
night shift wise which means we are lagging in power generation. Nowadays, a large
number of power sources are present both renewable as well as non-renewable but
still we can’t overcome our power needs. India is a country were a large amount of
power is generated across the country but unfortunately the demand rate is more
higher than the supply. Hence, we will have to generate and harvest electricity
through some alternate methods from the available resources to fulfill our demands.
One of the resource is human population. Power can be generated by walking on
specially designed stairs having piezoelectric material beneath. The generated power
can be stored and used for various loads. A large number of population walk on
staircases at railway platforms of our country , We can use that as an advantage and
generate electric power through their weight. The proposed work includes the
building of a staircase equipped with a control system to give electric power as an
output. The control system will consist of a piezoelectric sensor which generates
electricity when subjected to mechanical vibrations which will then be harvested to a
battery and then supplied to various loads.

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CHAPTER-1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Piezoelectricity in everyday life
Materials has always been influencing the society. This was obvious in Stone Age,
Bronze Age, and Iron Age. These eras have been named by the most advanced
material which were in use in that period, since these materials determine the
technological development at that time. In modern society, also the influence of
material is still present. However, nowadays the materials as such are not visible
anymore as they used to be in those ages stated above. They are more and more
embedded in complex devices and high tech systems that make whole economies
exist and function in an efficient way.
Piezoelectric materials are one of those invisible materials that are widespread around
us, although they are not known to the public at large. Mobile phones, automotive
electronics, medical technology, and industrial systems are only a few areas where
this technology is limited. Echoes to capture the image of an unborn baby in a womb
involves the use of piezoelectricity. Even in a parking sensor at the back of a car,
piezoelectric material is used.
1.2Piezoelectric effect
What is the reason for piezoelectric materials to be applicable in so abundance. Well,
it is because of the nature of the material itself: which has the capability to convert
mechanical energy to electrical energy and vice-versa.
The direct piezoelectric effect, is that it generates electric current when subjected to
mechanical stress proportional to that stress. The inverse piezoelectric effect is that
the material becomes strained when an electric field is applied to it, the strain being
proportional to the applied field. Clever use of these piezoelectric materials enables
the realization of a wide variety of technical functions.

1.3 History of Piezoelectricity
The first experimental demonstration between piezoelectric phenomena & crystal
structures was done in 1880 by Pierre and Jacques Curie. Their experiment made
them to come into a conclusion about the surface changes which occurred on such
crystals (tourmaline, quartz, topaz, cane sugar and Rochelle salt among them) when
subjected to mechanical stress.
This effect was considered as discovery and was dubbed as “piezoelectricity” to
differentiate them from other areas of scientific approach such as “pyro-electricity”
and “contact electricity”.
The Curie brothers asserted, and the change in the temperature due to electric effects
and mechanical stress in a given crystal led them to not only pick the crystals for the
experiment alone but also to determine the cuts of those crystals.
The Curie brothers didn’t predict that crystals that undergo “direct piezoelectric
effect” would also possess “converse piezoelectric effect”. This theory was
mathematically deducted from fundamental thermodynamic principles one year later
in 1881 by Lippmann.
1.3.1 First Generation applications with natural crystals
The success of some intense development activity on piezoelectric devices both
resonating and non-resonating are:
o Quartz type megacycle resonators were developed as frequency stabilizers for
vacuum tube oscillators.
o A new class of material testing method was developed based on the
propagation of ultrasonic waves.
o A new range of transient pressure measurement permitting the study of
explosives and IC engines was developed.

1.3.2 Second Generation Applications with Piezoelectric Ceramics
In 1940-1965, During World War II, in the U.S., Japan and the USSR, some research
groups who were working on some improved capacitor materials discovered that
certain ceramic materials exhibited dielectric constants up to 100 times higher than
common cut crystals. The discovery of easily manufactured piezoelectric ceramics
with astonishing performance characteristics paved way for an intense research and
development into piezoelectric devices.
The advances in materials science that were made during that phase fall into three
categories:
1. Development of the “barium titanate” family of “piezoceramics” and that
lead to the development of “zirconate titanate” family.
2. The development of an understanding of the correspondence of the
“perovskite” crystal structure to “electro-mechanical” activity.
All these advanvces in the contributed a lot to the development in the piezoelectric
field.
A number of applications got triggered from this piezoelectric source which were as
follows:
o Powerful sonar - based on new transducer geometries
o Ceramic phono cartridge
o Piezo ignition systems - single cylinder engine ignition systems which
generated spark voltages by compressing a ceramic "pill"
o Small, sensitive microphones
o Ceramic audio tone transducer
o Relays - snap action relays were constructed and studied, at least one piezo
relay was manufactured

1.3.3 Search for High Volume Markets
The commercial success of the efforts of many countries has attracted the attention of
many firms towards this piezoelectric behavior. There has been a phenomenal rise in
the number of patents granted by the U.S Patent Office every year. Another measure
of the activity is the rate of article publication in the application area of piezoelectric
materials- there has been a large increase in publication rate in Russia, China & India.
The search for perfect piezoelectric product opportunities is now in progress. Many
projects have been come forward demanding this effect for triggering various
applications.

CHAPTER-2 LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 Introduction
This chapter talks about the review of literature on the use of Piezoelectric material in
various applications.
Modeling And Computation Of A Solar-Piezoelectric Hybrid Power Plant For
Railway Stations(Kazi Saiful Alam, Tanjib Atique Khan, Ahmed Nasim Azad*,
Sharthak Munasib, Kazi Nazmul Huda Arif, Almir Hasan and Md. Ashfanoor
Kabil)
This paper illustrates a new model of the use of piezoelectric material in an
environment friendly hybrid power plant that solely uses renewable energy to
generate electricity which is capable of being applicable at railway stations. The
model plant illustrated in the paper utilizes both photovoltaic panels which convert
sunlight directly into electricity and piezoelectric pads which convert the mechanical
stress exerted on it by the moving train into electricity. In piezoelectric pads Lead
Zirconate Titanate (PZT) material is used. PZT can tolerate the extreme weight of the
train and can produce a fair amount of charge at opposite sides of the pads. The
association of PV panels and piezoelectric pads increases the overall efficiency of the
generation unit. The model explained in the paper describes a type of self generating
railway station which can be applied anywhere in the world.
Analysis And Design Of Electric Power Generation With PZT Ceramics On
Low-Frequency(Wei-Shiang Laio, Sheng-He Wang, Wu-Sung Yao, and Mi-
ChingTsai)
This paper illustrates the experimental results on a piezoelectric generator.
Piezoelectric materials have long been used as sensors and actuators; however their
use as electric generators is less. Such materials are capable of generating electrical
energy from mechanical vibration energy, but developing piezoelectric generators is
challenging because of their poor source characteristics. The paper presents a
theoretical analysis and design of piezoelectric power generation in low frequency
applications.

A Wide-Band Piezoelectric Energy-Harvester For High-Efficiency Power
Generation At Low Frequencies(Q. C. Tang, Xinxin Li1)
This paper presents a miniaturized piezoelectric vibration energy harvester that can
generate over 1.5μW of average power at the frequency range of 9Hz to 19Hz
under sinusoidal input acceleration of 1g. The harvester brings into use non-contact
frequency up –conversion techniques to excite two stage of generators, achieving
wide-band low-frequency generating capability with a small size. In short, in
applications were the frequency of mechanical energy is less still the piezoelectric
will be in a position to generate sufficient amount of power.
Stair Lighting System, And Method For Its Implementation(patent no. US
7,954,973 B1)
The patent describes the lighting system for steps of staircase alone and not the other
part of the room where the staircase lies. The main object of the patent or invention is
to illuminate spiral as well as standard or straight staircases. The invention states that
that it can provide emergency illumination in situations of power cut as in developing
countries like India. The illumination system is so designed that it can illuminate itself
according to the ambient light. Every riser and tread of the staircase is illuminated to
lighten up the staircase. Various light emitting diodes (LED’s) are used in lighting up
those.
Power Harvesting with PZT Ceramics(Hong Chen, Chen Jia, Chun Zhang,
Zhihua Wang)
Piezoelectric materials which are capable of converting mechanical to electrical
energy and vice versa have been proposed as embedded power source. The power
from the Piezoelectric material usually comes with poor characteristics such as high
voltage, low current and high impedance. In order to drive utmost efficiency, the
power from the piezoelectric needs to be regulated and characterized. The paper
presents an analysis on the power generation characteristics of the stiff lead zirconate
titanate (PZT) ceramics and its circuit. Finally, the paper outlines an application

which is Total Knee Replacement (TKR) implant where PZT elements are used for
power generation.
Multipurpose Staircase Capable Of Emitting Light And Generating Power
When Being Trodden(CN 203722514 U)
The model in the patent discloses a multipurpose staircase which is capable of
emitting light and generating power when being trodden. It comprises a piezoelectric
material, a rubber body, a bridge rectifier, a voltage stabilizer, a storage battery, a
LED sound-and-light controlled lamp, marble, a retroreflector, a lead, and other
equipment and accessories. When a person treads a staircase, the multipurpose
staircase emits light and generates power due to the conversion of pressure on the
staircase from the person to the electrical energy through the piezoelectric material.
The piezoelectric material is kept in a zig-zag manner at an vertex angle of 600
. This
vertex angle was given so that the pressure acting surface can be magnified to twice
of the original value without changing the magnitude of pressure, and the power
generation efficiency is higher compared with other piezoelectric material structures
installed at present in world in this domain.
Force Activated, Piezoelectric, Electricity Generation, Storage, Conditioning
And Supply Apparatus And Methods(US 6737789 B2)
A force activated electrical power generator is provided with piezoelectric elements
consisting of lead-magnesium-niobate lead titanate (PMN-PT). The circuitry is in
such a way that completely passively generates all power needed. Transformers are
used to increase the output voltage and efficiency. Rectifiers are used to rectify the
output to a single polarity. Filtering, regulation and other conditioning components
are also used as secondary components. The output from the generator and circuitry is
stored in a capacitor and/or battery.
Piezo-Electricity Generation Device(US5,801,475)
The object of the invention is to provide a compact electricity generation device
having no power supply externally and which converts vibration energy to electrical

energy and store the generated electrical energy in a capacitor or a battery from where
it can be taken for future use. In a piezoelectricity generation device according to the
patent a pair of electrodes are present on the piezoelectric plate, this plate is vibrated
in the state where the plate is supported on one side or on both sides or on the
peripheral section thereof so that the piezoelectric plate is expanded or contracted
during vibration. AC voltage generated in the pair of electrodes provided in the
piezoelectric plate is rectified and stored in a capacitor, and according to the necessity
power is been withdrawn from it.
A weight is attached to a section for maximizing the vibration amplitude so that the
plate can easily vibrate and also can expand and contract. Furthermore, an electronic
circuit is incorporated which generates an electric wave, sound, or light, making use
of an electric power stored in the capacitor/battery when the voltage exceeds the
preset value among that storage device.

CHAPTER 3- COMPONENTS USED IN PROJECT
3.1 PIEZOELECTRIC SENSOR
 In a piezoelectric crystal, the positive and negative electrical charges are
separated, but symmetrically distributed. This makes the crystal electrically
neutral. Each of these sides forms an electric dipole and dipoles near each
other tend to be aligned in regions called “Weiss domains”.
 The domains are usually randomly oriented, but can be aligned during
poling, a process by which a strong electric field is applied across the
material, usually at elevated temperatures. When a mechanical stress is
applied, this symmetry is disturbed, and the charge asymmetry generates a
voltage across the material.
Figure 3.1 Piezoelectric Sensor
 In Converse piezoelectric Pressing the button of the lighter causes a spring-
loaded hammer to hit a piezoelectric crystal, producing a sufficiently high
voltage that electric current flows across a small spark gap, thus heating and
igniting the gas. Some substances like quartz can generate potential
differences of thousands of volts through direct Piezo electric effect.

3.2 BATTERY
 Battery (electricity), an array of electrochemical cells for electricity storage,
either individually linked or individually linked and housed in a single unit. An
electrical battery is a combination of one or more electrochemical cells, used to
convert stored chemical energy into electrical energy. Batteries may be used
once and discarded, or recharged for years as in standby power applications.
Miniature cells are used to power devices such as hearing aids and wristwatches;
larger batteries provide standby power for telephone exchanges or computer data
centers.
 Lead-acid batteries are the most common in PV systems because their initial
cost is lower and because they are readily available nearly everywhere in the
world. There are many different sizes and designs of lead-acid batteries, but
the most important designation is that they are deep cycle batteries. Lead-acid
batteries are available in both wet-cell (requires maintenance) and sealed no-
maintenance versions.
 These batteries are used in Inverter & UPS Systems and have the proven
ability to perform under extreme conditions. The batteries have electrolyte
volume, use PE Separators and are sealed in sturdy containers, which give
them excellent protection against leakage and corrosion.
Figure 3.2 Battery

3.3 INVERTER
 In this our project we are using the inverter to converter dc voltage from the Piezo
electric plate that will arrangement for footsteps of human.
 Normally in this project we are using to store the voltage from the plat that will
gives to the inverter then it will be converted into ac supply.
 We are using inverter that 12v to 220v.
Figure 3.3 Inverter
 An inverter is an electrical device that converts direct current (DC) to
alternating current (AC) the converted AC can be at any required voltage and
frequency with the use of appropriate transformers, switching, and control
circuits.
 The electrical inverter is a high-power electronic oscillator. It is so named
because early mechanical AC to DC converters was made to work in reverse,
and thus was "inverted", to convert DC to AC. The inverter performs the
opposite function of a rectifier.
 The IC1 Cd4047 wired as an A stable multivibrator produces two 180 degree
out of phase 1/50 Hz pulse trains. These pulse trains are preamplifiers by the
two TIP122 transistors. The out puts of the TIP 122 transistors are amplified
by four 2N 3055 transistors (two transistors for each half cycle) to drive the
inverter transformer. The 220V AC will be available at the secondary of the
transformer.

3.3.1 MOSFET (IRF 540)
 MOSFET stands for metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor. It is
capable of voltage gain and signal power gain. The MOSFET is the core of
integrated circuit designed as thousands of these can be fabricated in a single
chip because of its very small size. Every modern electronic system consists of
VLST technology and without MOSFET, large scale integration is impossible.
It is a four terminals device. The drain and source terminals are connected to
the heavily doped regions. The gate terminal is connected top on the oxide
layer and the substrate or body terminal is connected to the intrinsic
semiconductor
 MOSFET has four terminals which is already stated above, they are gate,
source drain and substrate or body. MOS capacity present in the device is the
main part. The conduction and valance bands are position relative to the Fermi
level at the surface is a function of MOS capacitor voltage.
 The metal of the gate terminal and the SC acts the parallel and the oxide layer
as insulator of the state MOS capacitor. Between the drain and source terminal
inversion layer is formed and due to the flow of carriers in it, the current flows
in Mosfet the inversion layer is properties are controlled by gate voltage.
 Two basic types of MOSFET are n channel and p channel MOSFETs. In n
channel MOSFET is current is due to the flow of electrons in inversion layer
and in p channel current is due to the flow of holes. Another type of
Figure 3.4 Mosfet

characteristics of clarification can be made of those are enhancement type and
depletion type MOSFETs. In enhancement mode, these are normally off and
turned on by applying gate voltage. The opposite phenomenon happens in
depletion type MOSFETs.
3.4 CAPACITOR
 A capacitors a passive electronic component consisting of a pair of conductors
separated by a dielectric (insulator). When there is a potential difference
(voltage) across the conductors, a static electric field develops in the dielectric
that stores energy and produces a mechanical force between the conductors.
An ideal capacitor is characterized by a single constant value, capacitance,
measured in faraday.
3.5 TRANSFORMER
 A common topology for DC-AC power converter circuits uses a pair of
transistors to switch DC current through the center-tapped winding of a step-
up transformer, like this:
 In electronics, a center tap a connection made to a point half way along a
winding of a transformer or inductor, or along the element of a resistor or a
potentiometer. Taps are sometimes used on inductors for the coupling of
signals, and may not necessarily be at the half- way point, but rather, closer to
one end.
Figure 3.4 Capacitor

3.6 TRANSISTOR
 A transistor is a semiconductor device used to amplify and switch electronic
signals.
 Electrical power. It is composed of semiconductor material with at least three
terminals for connection to an external circuit.
Figure 3.5 Transformer
Figure 3.6 Transistor

3.7 RESISTOR
 A resistor is a passive two-terminal electrical component that implements
electrical resistance as a circuit element. Resistors act to reduce current flow,
and, at the same time, act to lower voltage levels within circuits.
Figure 3.7 Resistor

CHAPTER-4 DESIGN
4.1 DESIGN PROCEDURE
The design for the project was the main challenge. The design had to include a normal
staircase system with standard dimensions and which were to be equipped with a
mechanism including piezoelectric systems and a pressure plate. After referring
various literatures we came into a conclusion that the basic mechanical block will be
as shown below:
Figure 4.1 Basic Mechanical block diagram
Then, the basic 3D modelling was carried out in a 3D modelling software. The views
are as shown under:
Figure 4.2 Front view (F.V.) of the Proposed Staircase

Figure 4.3 Back View (B.V.) of the Proposed Staircase
Figure 4.4 Isometric View (I.V.) of the Proposed Staircase

Figure 4.5 Right Hand Side View (R.H.S.V) of the Proposed Staircase
The Dimensions of the components as shown in the design in above figures is as
follows:
STAIRCASE DIMENSIONS:
 Height Of Riser – 150 mm (maximum)
 Length Of Tread – 300mm (minimum)
 Stair Width – 1800 mm or 3 lanes (minimum) for normal movement of
passengers
SPRING DIMENSIONS:
 Wire Diameter – 2.78 mm
 Inner Diameter – 50 mm
 Outer Diameter – 52.78 mm
 Free Length – 11.25 mm
PIEZOELECTRIC MATERIAL DIMENSIONS:
 Height of Piezoelectric – 14.32 mm
 Diameter of Piezoelectric – 35 mm
 No. Of Piezoelectric materials used – 34 in each stair width

PRESSURE PLATE DIMENSIONS:
 Length of plate – 1800 mm
 Width of the plate – 315 mm
 Angle at the end face - 25⁰

CHAPTER-5 SELECTION OF MATERIAL FOR BUILDING
UP THE STAIRCASE
The selection criteria of materials for building up the basic staircase was done on the
basis of Weightage Approach Method.
5.1 What is Weightage Approach Method?
Weightage average is a mean calculated by giving values in a data set which more
influence according to the values in the data. Simply speaking, it is an average in
which each quantity to be averaged among all other quantities is assigned a weight,
and these weights determine the relative importance of each quantity on the average.
5.2 Properties Of materials chosen for calculation
 Compressive strength:- Compressive strength or compression strength is the
capacity of a material or structure to withstand loads tending to reduce size.
 Hardness:- Hardness is a measure of how resistant solid matter is to various
kinds of permanent shape change when a compressive force is applied. Some
materials (e.g. metals) are harder than others (e.g. plastics).
 Density:- Material density, more often referred to simply as density, is a
quantitative expression of the amount of mass contained per unit volume.
 Fracture toughness:- is a property which describes the ability of a material
containing a crack to resist fracture.
5.3 Calculation
Materials →
Properties ↓
TIMBER
(White
Oak)
BRICK
(Lining
Refractory)
REINFORCED
CONCRETE
CEMENT
(RCC)
GRANITE
COMPRESSIVE
STRENGTH
51.30 MPa 1700 MPa 65 MPa 250MPa
HARDNESS 9.38 MPa 19960 MPa 9630 MPa 8012 MPa
DENSITY 600 kg/m3
3600 kg/m3
2400 kg/m3
2500 kg/m3
FRACTURE
TOUGHNESS
35 MPa 6 MPa 30 MPa 0.56 MPa
Table 5.3.1 Materials and Properties of various materials

Part I - Calculation For Weightage point for all materials
Step I – Points for Compressive Strength
Total = 51.30 + 1700 + 65 + 250 = 2066.30
Therefore, for timber the percent Compressive strength:
51.80/2066.30 = 0.02483 & point is 0.02483 X 5 = 0.12413
Therefore, for brick the percent Compressive strength:
1700/2066.30 = 0.82273 & point is 0.82273 X 5 = 4.11363
Therefore, for RCC the percent Compressive strength:
65/2066.30 = 0.03146 & point is 0.03146 X 5 = 0.15729
Therefore, for Granite the percent Compressive strength:
250/2066.30 = 0.12099 & point is 0.12099 X 5 = 0.60495
Step II – Points for Hardness
Total = 9.38 + 19960 + 9630 + 8012 = 37611.38
Therefore, for timber the percent Hardness:
9.38/37611.38 = 0.00025 & point is 0.00025 X 4 = 0.00100
Therefore, for brick the percent Hardness:
19960/37611.38 = 0.53069 & point is 0.53069 X 4 = 2.12276
Therefore, for RCC the percent Hardness:
9630/37611.38 = 0.25604 & point is 0.25604 X 4 = 1.02416
Therefore, for Granite the percent Hardness:
8012/37611.38 = 0.21302 & point is 0.21302 X 4 = 0.85208

Step III – Points for Density
Total = 600 + 3600 + 2400 + 2500 = 9100
Therefore, for timber the percent Density:
` 600/9100 = 0.06593 & point is 0.06953 X 3 = 0.19780
Therefore, for brick the percent Density:
3600/9100 = 0.39560 & point is 0.39560 X 3 = 1.18681
Therefore, for RCC the percent Density:
2400/9100 = 0.26374 & point is 0.26374 X 3 = 0.79121
Therefore, for granite the percent Density:
2500/9100 = 0.21473 & point is 0.21473 X 3 = 0.82418
Step IV – Points for Fracture toughness
Total = 35 + 6 + 30 + 0.56 = 71.56
Therefore, for timber the percent fracture toughness:
35/71.56 = 0.48910 & point is 0.48910 X 2 = 0.97820
Therefore, for brick the percent fracture toughness:
6/71.56 = 0.08385 & point is 0.08385 X 2 = 0.16769
Therefore, for RCC the percent fracture toughness:
30/71.56 = 0.41923 & point is 0.49123 X 2 = 0.83846
Therefore, for Granite the percent fracture toughness:
0.56/71.56 = 0.00783 & point is 0.00873 X 2 = 0.01565

Step V – Total Points
 For Timber
0.12413 + 0.00100 + 0.19780 + 0.97820 = 1.30113
 For Brick
4.11363 + 2.12276 + 1.18681 + 0.16769 = 7.59089
 For RCC
0.15729 + 1.02416 + 0.79121 + 0.83846 = 2.45052
 For Granite
0.60495 + 0.85208 + 0.82418 + 0.01565 = 2.29686
Part II – Tabulation of Weightage Points
Materials →
Properties ↓
TIMBER
(White Oak)
BRICK
(Lining
Refractory)
REINFORCED
CONCRETE
CEMENT
(RCC)
GRANITE
COMPRESSIVE
STRENGTH
0.12413 4.11363 0.15729 0.60495
HARDNESS 0.00100 2.12276 1.02416 0.85208
DENSITY 0.19780 1.18681 0.79121 0.82418
FRACTURE
TOUGHNESS
0.97820 0.16769 0.83846 0.01565
TOTAL 1.30113 7.59085 2.45052 2.29686
Table 5.3.2 Total Weightage Points after calculation for various materials
Part III – The list of material according to the descending
order of points will be as follows:-
 Brick (7.6 points)
 RCC (2.5 points)
 Granite (2.3 points)
 Timber (1.3 points)

As brick has its own disadvantages it cannot be used in the building up of the basic
staircase though it has stood first in the ranking order according to the calculation.
Disadvantages Of using Brick for building up stairs:
 Time consuming construction
 Cannot be used in high seismic zones
 Since bricks absorb water easily, therefore, it causes fluorescence when not
exposed to air
 Very Less tensile strength
 Rough surfaces of bricks may cause mold growth if not properly cleaned
 Cleaning brick surfaces is a hard job
 Color of low quality brick changes when exposed to sun for a long period of
time
So, according to the ranking order in above calculation done by Weightage Approach
Method; the best suitable material after brick is RCC (Reinforced Cement Concrete).
Advantages of using RCC for building up stairs:
 Reinforced concrete has a high compressive strength compared to other
building materials.
 Fire and weather resistance of reinforced concrete is fair.
 The reinforced concrete building system is more durable than any other
building system.
 Reinforced concrete, as a fluid material in the beginning, can be economically
molded into a nearly limitless range of shapes.
 The maintenance cost of reinforced concrete is very low.

 In structure like footings, dams, piers etc. reinforced concrete is the most
economical construction material.
 It acts like a rigid member with minimum deflection.
 Compared to the use of steel in structure, reinforced concrete requires
less skilled labor for the erection of structure.

CHAPTER- 6 MATHEMATICAL ANALYSIS
 As we know the pressure is directly proportional to amount of power
generated
P α Wt.
 Here we take the constant of proportionality as Қ, then the equation becomes
P = Қ Wt.
Where,
Қ- Constant of proportionality Wt.-weight
P-power
 We know that for wt.=50kg, we get the value of voltage V=4v and I =0.015A
 Then P=V*I=4*0.015=0.06w, means we can say that for 50kg we get power
(P) =0.06w
From this we can find the value of Қ
Қ=P/wt.=0.06/50=0.0012
The table given below shows relation between P & wt.
SR
NO
P IN WATTS WT IN KG
1 0.012 10
2 0.024 20
3 0.06 50
4 0.09 75
Table 6.1 Relation between Power (P) and Weight (Wt)

CHAPTER- 7 ADVANTAGES AND APPLICATIONS
8.1 Advantages:
The advantages of Staircase power generation using Piezoelectric materials
are as follows:
 Sustainable and reliable energy source.
 Whenever there is a power cut from the main grid, the system is able to
provide uninterrupted power.
 Suitable for low power consuming applications.
 It utilizes the mechanical vibrations produced by the movements of
pedestrians as input which otherwise would have been gone into vain.
 The project comes under “The Green Technology”.
 It is continuous power generating technology.
 By this technique there will be a reduction in cost of energy harvesting.
8.2 Applications:
 Railway stations
 Bus stations
 Airport
 Colleges
 Banks
 Stadiums
 Government offices
 Municipal corporation offices
 Commercial high rise buildings

CHAPTER- 8 CONCLUSION & FUTURE SCOPE
Conclusion:
From this project work it can be concluded that the project aims to harvest energy.
The storing of energy by means of a staircase can be a boon in energy storing through
daily activities. Lot of people use staircases at various places, if the mechanical
energy applied by people be converted into some useful power then that can be used
to illuminate lights around the staircase which can then add into energy saving in
lighting up that staircase through other sources. The efficiency of the project may
depend upon the various factors as already discussed in the report work.
Future Scope:
The project can further go in a phase where a working model would be made with all
the calculations as already shown above. The model will show how energy conversion
will take place and how will the staircase illumination work.

APPENDIX
A. ORIGINALITY REPORT

B.CANVAS ACTIVITY
OBSERVATION MATRIX
Observations:
 Non-conventional
 Crowd at railway stations
 Piezoelectric materials
 Stress
 Need of Power generation
 INDIA – a developing nation
 Staircases
 Material Property
 Energy Harvesting
 India’s population
 Lacking in escalators
Figure B.1 CANVAS 1 (Observation Matrix)

Scouted Challenges:
 Time consumption
 Development of staircase
 Low power output
 Power storage
 Money
 Maintenance
 Material Selection
 Developing Circuit
 Availability
Top 5 problem on the basis of Desirability, Feasibility & Viability:
 Development of Staircase
 Weight to Power Ratio
 Circuit Building
 PZT material selection
 Material availability
Final problem:
 Development of Staircase with circuit building

B.2 AEIOU SUMMARY
Figure B.2 CANVAS 2 (AEIOU Summary)
Activities:
 Staircase
 People Walking
 Staircase illumination
 Amplification
Environment:
 Crowded
 Public places
 Noisy
 Silent
 Movie playing
 Industrial
Interactions:
 College guide
 Faculties of other branches
 Railway personnel
 Students
 Seniors

Objects:
 Stairs
 Piezoelectric material
 Circuit
 Battery
 Rectifier
 Pressure plate
Users:
 Passengers
 Students
 Professors
 Common people
 Labours
 Entrepreneurs
 Employees

B.3 IDEATION CANVAS
Figure B.3 CANVAS 3 (Ideation Canvas)
People:
 Passengers
 Students
 Common people
 Patients
 Hawkers
Activities:
 People walking
 Electricity generation
 Amplification
 Piezoelectric source

 Battery
Situation/Context/Location:
 Schools
 Railway platforms
 Colleges
 Movie theatres
 All seasons
 Power cut
Props/Possible Solutions:
 Change in piezoelectric material
 Change in staircase design
 Change in stair material
 Use of additional electric components
 Alternate electric circuit

B.4 PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT CANVAS
Figure B.4 CANVAS 4 (Product Development)
Purpose:
 Energy harvesting
 Aesthetic look
People:
 Passengers
 Hawkers
 Staff
 Common people
 Labour
Product Experience:
 Easy to store electric current
 Non conventional energy source

 Feel good factor
Product Functions:
 Conversion of energy forms (mechanical to electrical)
 Energy storing
 Use of piezoelectric material
Product Features:
 Durable
 Easy to operate
 No need of extra effort
Components:
 Piezoelectric material
 Staircase
 Electric circuit
 Battery
 Rectifier
Customer Revalidation:
 Mechanical design
 Use of piezoelectric material
 Change in electric circuit
 More ergonomic design
Reject, Redesign, Retain:
 Energy storage problem
 Less power generation
 Depends on input mechanical energy
 Depends on number of piezoelectric material

REFERENCES
[1]
PAPERS
Kazi Saiful Alam, Tanjib Atique Khan, Ahmed Nasim Azad, Sharthak
Munasib, Kazi Nazmul Huda Arif, Almir Hasan and Md. Ashfanoor
Kabil, “Modeling and Computation of a Solar-Piezoelectric Hybrid Power
Plant for Railway Stations” IEEE Proceeding, (2012).
[2]
[3]
[4]
[5]
[6]
[7]
Hong Chen, Chen Jia, Chun Zhang, Zhihua Wang, “Power Harvesting With
PZT Ceramics” IEEE Proceeding, (2007).
E. Steltz, M. Seeman, S. Avadhanula, and R.S. Fearing, “Power Electronics
Design Choice for Piezoelectric Microrobots” IEEE Proceeding, (2006).
Q. C. Tang, Xinxin Li1, “WIDE-BAND PIEZOELECTRIC ENERGY-
HARVESTER FOR HIGH-EFFICIENCY POWER GENERATION AT LOW
FREQUENCIES” IEEE Proceeding (2013).
Wei-Shiang Laio, Sheng-He Wang, Wu-Sung Yao, and Mi-Ching Tsai,
“Analysis and Design of Electric Power Generation with PZT Ceramics on
Low-Frequency” IEEE Proceeding (2008).
Jungyong Park and Kwang – Seok Yun, “Hybrid Energy Harvester Based On
Piezoelectric and Tribolic Effects” IEEE Proceeding (2016).
Case study “Behavioral Characteristics of Pedestrian Flow on Stairway
at RailwayStation” carried out by Jiten Shaha, G. J. Joshib, Purnima
Paridac.
[8]
[9]
WEB SITE
Piezo Systems- Frequently Asked Questions
http://www.piezo.com/tech3faq.html
Seth Winger, “Piezoelectricity From Dancing”, October 24 2010.
http://large.stanford.edu/courses/2010/ph240/winger1/
[10]
[11]
BOOKS
Reference book on “Theory of Machine” written by R.S. Khurmi and
J.K. Gupta
Reference book on “Mechanical Measurements and Instrumentation”
written by R.K.
Rajput

[12]
[13]
[14]
[15]
[16]
PATENTS
Diovan Shuai. Self-electricity-generation lighting device for stairs. C. N.
Patent 202118787 U, 2011.
Highlight Church, Bai Super, Liang handsome, High meme, Tsung-Hsueh Lu
Yan, Li Yang. Multipurpose staircase capable of emitting light and generating
power when being trodden. C. N. Patent 203722514 U, 2013.
Leon J., Radziemski, Kelvin G. Lynn. Force activated, piezoelectric, electricity
generation, storage, conditioning and supply apparatus and methods. U. S.
Patent 6737789 B2, 2002.
Mitsuteru Kimura. Piezo-electricity generation device. U. S. Patent 5801475
A, 1993.
Lawrence A. Sears, Gary Van Beek. Stair lights. U. S. Patent 5222799 A,
1990.

Electricity Generation Using Staircase

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