Renewable Energy Technology Lab Manual

EXPERIMENT#11 Piezoelectric Sensors

11.1 Objective 11.2 Theory 11.3 Working Principle 11.4 Observation table 11.5 Applications 11.6
Conclusion

11.1 Objective:

To analyze power generation through piezoelectric sensors

11.2 Theory:

Piezoelectric Effect:

Piezoelectric effect is the ability of certain materials to generate an electric charge in response to applied
mechanical stress.

Piezoelectric Materials:

There are many materials both natural and man-made.

Naturally piezoelectric materials include Berlinite, Quartz, Rochelle salt, topaz, tourmaline.

Example of man-made materials include barium titanate and lead zirconate titanate. The piezoelectric
effect is common in piezoceramics like PbTiO2, PbzrO3, PVDF and PZT.

Types of Connections:

There are three types of connections that gives appreciable voltage and current.

i. Series combination:
Three PZT’s are connected in series. A force sensor and voltmeter is connected to this series
combination. As varying forces are applied on this connection, corresponding voltages are noted.
Also the voltage generated across the series combination and current is being measured. In series
connection, voltage increases rapidly but the current remains the same.

ii. Parallel combination:

Three PZT’s are connected in parallel. A force sensor and voltmeter is connected to this parallel
combination to find the corresponding voltages and current. In parallel connection, current
increases rapidly.

iii. Series and Parallel combination:

It can be seen that voltage from a series connection is good but current obtained is poor, whereas
current from a parallel combination is good but the voltage is not of good type. But this problem
is sorted out in series-parallel combination where a good voltage as well as good value of current
is obtained.

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 Renewable Energy Technology Lab Manual

Schematic symbol and electronic model of a piezoelectric sensor

11.3 Working Principle:

They work on the principle of piezoelectric effect. When mechanical stress or forces are applied to some
materials along certain planes, they produce electric voltage. This electric voltage can be measured easily
by the voltage measuring instruments, which can be used to measure the stress or force.

11.4 Observation and Calculations:

Sr. No No. of Piezoelectric Sensors Voltage (v)

11.5 Applications:

Piezoelectric sensors are used in many applications. Piezoelectric sensors are used in shock detection and
machine monitoring applications. In addition, piezoelectric sensors are also used in structural dynamics,
vehicle dynamics, and low power applications.

11.6 Conclusions:

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