Features and Specifications of a Piezo Sensor
A piezoelectric sensor is made of piezoelectric elements that generate a voltage across its surface when the applied force is applied. Most piezoelectric sensors are made from silicon and oxygen arranged in a crystalline structure (SiO2).
When force is applied to the piezoelectric diaphragm (right beneath the surface of the piezoelectric sensor), a voltage proportional to the pressure is generated.
Piezoelectric sensors are known for:
Being flexible Lightweight
Highly durable
Have an operating temperature of -40°C to +85°C
High mechanical strength
High impact resistance
Low Soldering temperature
Relatively low cost
The following specification of sensors has been used in this project:
Operating Temperature: 0ºC to 85ºC
Storage Temperature Range: -40ºC to 85 ºC
Dimensions: ~2.6 x ~2.6 x ~0.8 cm
Cost: Indian Rupees 5 to 15
Piezoelectric materials occur naturally as well and are found in combinations of Rochelle Salt, Potassium, Topaz, Quartz, Silk, etc.
The Piezoelectric effect was first found by Marie Curie's husband and physicist Pierre Curie in 1880 and began being used for its industrial applications in the 1950s. In essence, piezoelectricity made way to some of the earliest forms of sensors and is one of the first sensor materials discovered for industrial applications.
Demonstration
On repetitive tapping of a single piezoelectric transducer, up to 10-15 Volt of electricity can be generated depending on the pressure at which the piezoelectric sensor/transducer is being tapped and the time duration of the tapping.
The below video shows how almost 1.6 Volts of electricity have been generated within a couple of seconds of repetitive tapping on the piezoelectric sensor.
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