Design and implementation of a low-cost piezoelectric footstep energy harvesting system for portable power applications in grid-unstable regions
1 Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo, 310101, Nigeria.
2 Department of Electrical Electronic Engineering, Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, 800281, Nigeria.
Review
International Journal of Frontiers in Engineering and Technology Research, 2025, 09(01), 006-024.
Article DOI: 10.53294/ijfetr.2025.9.1.0041
Publication history:
Received on 10 June 2025; revised on 18 July 2025; accepted on 22 July 2025
Abstract:
In countries that continue to face challenges with consistent power supply, particularly in electricity distribution and experience frequent grid collapses, citizens are often left with no option but to resort to alternative energy sources, which are typically expensive to install and maintain. This research proposes the design and implementation of a cost-effective solution that harnesses mechanical energy generated from human footsteps to produce electrical power. The system operates using piezoelectric sensors based on the principle of piezoelectricity, which enables the conversion of mechanical stress into electrical energy. The generated power is stored in a battery system and can be used to supply energy to portable electronic devices, particularly during outages in conventional power sources. The prototype system achieved an output voltage ranging from 9 V to 20 V directly from the piezoelectric sensors under typical foot pressure. After voltage regulation and storage, a stable output of 5 V was obtained, which is sufficient to power small mobile devices. This technology demonstrates a low-cost, renewable energy source for environments with high foot traffic and unreliable access to grid electricity.
Keywords:
Piezoelectric sensors; Piezoelectricity; Footstep power generation; Footstep power generation; Renewable energy; Low-cost energy systems
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Copyright © 2025 Author(s) retain the copyright of this article. This article is published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Liscense 4.0