Hello world!
This is my energy parasite, in prehistoric times. I’m sure it’s future generations could be better.
Materials
The small signal diode solved the problem that the current generated by piezo element is too little to be forwarded. The max forward voltage is 1V when the current is 10 mA [Datasheet]. The 3mm LED works better than the 5mm one under the low current low voltage condition. Its DC forward drop is 1.8-2.2V, and suggested current: 16-18mA [Datasheet]. The piezo element also works better than the previous one, more sensitive, more powerful [Datasheet].
Tests
Through the tests, the 1 uF capacitor turned to be the best choice among other capacitors.
The First Generation
Future Generations
LED: lower current, higher luminous intensity; small size.
Capacitor: small size.
More Comfortable: currently I use wires to help to attach the parasite onto the index finger. Though it’s flexible and could fit for different fingers, it’s not confortable.
More efficient: Test different ways of attaching the parasite in play testing. One possible modification might be increase the distance from the body of parasite to it’s distal wires. This would increase one side of the lever so that small motion of middle phalanges could create more pressure on the piezo element.
More elements: I’d like to use more materials that could be found in our daily life, or even some waste things. Make the parasite more interesting at the same time accesible.