Plane compressive force generator

  • Transformation of dynamic pressure force into electrical energy
  • Utilization of the piezoelectric effect in PVDF-foils

Various modules consisting of PVDF-foil layers are developed. Those modules allow the direct transformation of pressure applied to floors into electrical energy. That pressure is for example applied while walking or driving over those floors. The piezoelectric effect causes a generation of charges in the foil that are grabbed by surface electrodes. The amount of generated energy depends highly on built up and geometry of the modules and also the kind of floor underneath which they are placed. Since the bigger the modules the higher the possibility of a neutralization of generated charges, but the smaller the modules the more complex the electrical circuitry, optimization for each application is necessary. Contrary to the known lead zirconate titanate transducers (PZT), these transducers consist of singly organic PVDF-foils. Even though the piezoelectric properties of PVDF cannot reach those of PZT, there are a lot of advantages to the organic material. PVDF is extremely flexible, so no precautions against breaking are necessary. Manufacturing PVDF is also decidedly less expensive compared to PZT, thus large area applications are easily possible.

Perspective fields of Application

  • Supply of sensor systems
  • Self-sustaining safety systems e.g. in tunnels
  • Centers with lots of traffic
  • traffic nodes of each kind

Contact

Prof. Dr.-Ing. N. Schwesinger