PROTOTYPING A PIEZOELECTRIC ENERGY-HARVESTING SYSTEM FROM THE SIMULATED MECHANICAL PULSATION OF A 3D-PRINTED HEART MODEL

Abstract

Individuals have to frequently undergo pacemaker replacement surgeries increasing the chance of surgical complications. A system was developed for an alternative energy source for pacemaker technology. We aimed to capture energy from the mechanical pulsation of a 3D-printed synthetic heart - as a viable simulation of a functional adult heart - using different types of piezoelectric materials. Our study evaluated maximum voltage captured by piezoelectric materials from pulsatile stimulation of the heart model. Initial tests generated 9V, suggesting that piezoelectric material is an adequate alternative energy source for pacemakers. Future investigation will aim to optimize the electrical and mechanical parameters of our system, laying the foundation for the development of a “heart-powered pacemaker.” Our research investigates the feasibility and mechanisms associated with harvesting mechanical motion from the heart itself, converting it into usable electrical energy, and evaluating whether this captured and converted energy is sufficient to power a commercially used cardiac pacemaker.