Recommendations
This section discusses a potential recommendation for the issues discussed in the Findings, Analysis and Challenges section.
Firstly, creating smaller patches of circuits within the piezoelectric tile could be useful. Each patch of circuit could have the piezoelectric sensors/transducers connected in parallel to each other within the circuit since the voltage generated by Piezo transducers in parallel is higher than in series as shown in the Findings section. A smaller patch of circuit like the one in POC2 (Mini Piezoelectric Dance Floor) would lead to lower resistance. And along with a smaller patch of circuit, each circuit should be connected to a capacitor. With piezoelectric materials, the pressure can not be maintained constant and thus a capacitor is quintessential to store the energy produced by the piezo circuit and in turn, filter the output signals along with making the signals constant (i.e. Helps with Voltage stabilisation). Also, the capacitor would allow for accumulation of energy over time, even if the voltage generated by the piezoelectric material fluctuates or dissipates. The stored energy can then be released or utilised when needed.
Recommendation: Use a Capacitor with smaller circuits in a Piezoelectric Tile
Secondly, diodes in the form of a bridge rectifier can be used in the piezoelectric tile circuit which would convert Alternating Current(AC) to Direct Current(DC). In piezoelectric circuits, where the generated voltage may have an AC component, diodes can be used to rectify the voltage signal, allowing for the extraction of a unidirectional DC voltage. This rectified voltage can then be used to power or charge devices that require a DC power source. Diodes can control the direction of current flow in a circuit. In some piezoelectric applications, it may be necessary to ensure that the generated current flows in a specific direction. Diodes can also be employed to allow current flow in one direction while blocking it in the opposite direction. This helps in directing the generated current to the desired components or storage devices, such as capacitors or the light strip, while preventing undesired current flow or back-flow.
Recommendation: Use a Diode bridge Rectifier
The below is a simple circuit diagram incorporating the above two recommendations.
Thirdly, using an inverter* with a rechargeable battery in the piezoelectric tile circuit can be a viable solution too. This will be useful if an application or device requires an AC source such as a Light Bulb. Rechargeable batteries can store energy, and they can serve as an energy reservoir in a piezoelectric circuit. The battery can be charged using the generated voltage from the piezoelectric material during periods of high activity or vibration, and then the stored energy can be used to power devices or components during low or no activity periods. This helps provide a continuous power supply and can act as a backup in case the piezoelectric generation is insufficient or intermittent.
Recommendation: Use an inverter with a rechargeable batter.
*Inverter is optional. It is not neccessarily needed.
Important Assumption in all the above recommendations: These recommendations have been made assuming the pressure is applied to all the piezoelectric sensors at once. This can be done by using an upper layer of the same size as the piezoelectric board/tile itself. Also, it is important to make sure that the upper layer is thin in order for the energy applied to the board to not be dissipated.
In conclusion, such a system would only be useful where several millions of taps/knocks would occur. For instance, during random walking or dance on the tile. By being pressed very rapidly and regularly, there is greater probability of generating more energy from the piezo material.
Can a circuit be considered as a form of art?
There are people who appreciate electronic circuits as a form of art, particularly when they are designed in an aesthetically pleasing manner or arranged in a unique and creative way. Some designers such as Mohit Bhoite create circuit sculptures, where electronic components are arranged in a way that forms a visually interesting and appealing object.
Plus, this can be integrated into an art installation with an Arduino system. Thereby, the circuitry could be used to generate specific sounds, light patterns, or interactive elements, contributing to the overall artistic experience.
The above is one of artist Mohit Bhoite's scultures.
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