Ch1

Chukwuma Agubokwu
Chapter One

The Problem and Its Setting

Introduction to the Problem

Traditional sources for electronic energy over the past years have been by outlet by way of transformer by way of a fossil-fuel-based power plant. Recently the feasibility of eliminating all of the steps and the waste and damage caused by them has been brought about by the advent of something that's been around before all of that existed: movement. In technical terms, this is called kinetic energy harvesting*. I aim to conduct research in this area. There are a few methods which have been engineered to conduct such a task including using naturally occurring, electrically charged crystals or ceramics that output electricity when pressure is applied*; electroactive polymers which behave the same way but are significantly lighter*; and electrostatic plates of a charged varactor  in which vibrations are converted into electrical energy*.

 

Statement of the Problem

I must find a practical and efficient way in which to produce electrical energy by means of regular, everyday movement. To save time on costly and dangerous mistakes in wiring, I will be using a CAD-based* program that will aid in circuit design. The program is called SPICE and I will be using their student edition which is called PSpice* The design on computer will be based in the graphic representation of wiring theory and less the actual physical configuration. Once safely tested  on this design simulator, I can begin creating a live version of my system and begin testing outputs in various degrees to collect extensive information.

Hypothesis

Luckily there is extensive research that has been done before me on these areas of alternative energy, so I'm sure I will have no problem conducting my research on the most effective and practical systems after discovering hands-on what makes them operate from the inside. I expect to be able to constantly sustain electrical energy in a portable device for an entire day off of the human kinetic energy of a day. Meaning I believe it possible for the phone to never run out of energy in that day, as long as it is physically on my person for the duration of the day.

Variables and Limitations

The controlled variables are scale and/or ratio of electricity, the apparati (device, energy conversion system) I use, the source and timing of kinetic energy during testing (testing machines at UMD College Park and hours of my internship) and in the field (me, my regular movements and schedule of activities) and structural reliability of the apparati (made to handle rigorous movement.) 

The independent variables are temperature (has an influence on the conductivity of electronic energy), weather (the amount of moisture in the air can as well adversely affect conductivity), and the the kinetic input to the system from artificial (testing) and human (field) sources.

 

Assumptions

Nothing is assumed as I can simulate, isolate and then solve any possible discrepancies before they exist in reality thanks to my CAD program.

Statistical Analysis

I will constantly collect and analyze data for all of the variables listed.

 

*Definitions of Terms

1. A charge pump is an electronic circuit that uses capacitors as energy storage elements to create either a higher or lower voltage power source. Charge pump circuits are capable of high efficiencies, sometimes as high as 90-95% while being electrically simple circuits.

 

2. Varactor is a contraction for "variable capacitor", a type of capacitor  whose energy capacitance (ability to store electricity) can be changed.

 

3. Piezoelectricity is the ability of some materials (notably crystals and certain ceramics) to generate an electric potential in response to applied mechanical stress.

 

4. Energy harvesting (also known as Power harvesting or energy scavenging) is the process by which energy is captured and stored. Frequently this term is applied when speaking about small autonomous devices, like those used in sensor networks. A variety of different methods exist for harvesting energy, such as solar power, ocean tides, piezoelectricity, thermoelectricity, and physical motion.

 

5. CAD stands for computer aided design.

6. PSpice is a SPICE analog circuit simulation software that runs on personal computers, hence the first letter "P" in its name. It was developed by MicroSim and used in electronic design automation. MicroSim was bought by OrCAD and now belongs to Cadence Design Systems.