Design and Development of Piezoelectric Power Generator

The global energy sector faces mounting challenges due to climate change, fossil fuel depletion, and rising demand. Zambia, heavily reliant on hydropower, experiences chronic energy deficits exacerbated by droughts. This study investigates the design and development of a piezoelectric power generator as a decentralized renewable solution. Piezoelectric materials such as PVDF and nanoparticle composites were evaluated for efficiency, durability, and cost-effectiveness under Zambia’s environmental conditions. A prototype was designed, simulated, and tested in laboratory and field environments. Results demonstrate that optimized PVDF composites can achieve 12% efficiency, generating 2–5 Wh/m²/day in high traffic zones. The findings highlight piezoelectric energy harvesting as a viable complement to Zambia’s energy mix, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 7 and national energy policy objectives.