How Does Piezoelectric Energy Create Electricity?
Piezo Crystals “Piezo crystals” are special minerals that have electromagnetic properties. When piezo crystals are compressed or stretched, they produce an electric field. This is called the “piezoelectric effect.” Piezo cells have small, positively charged particles at their center. Whenever force is exerted on the crystal, this small particle is forced to move and create a charge. This electric field can be harnessed to produce voltage. One common use of piezo crystals is as sensors, creating a signal whenever force is applied. Recently, however, scientists have begun developing ways to use this power as alternative “green” energy. Small-Scale Electricity The electrical charge created by a piezo crystal is fairly low. To compensate for this, they are usually used in high-repetition applications. One method that uses piezo energy to create electricity harnesses personal human power. People move thousands of times each day. Piezo crystals can be embedded in everyday apparel like shoes.
