Each instrument was tested individually playing the "Star Spangled Banner". First, the voltage was recorded directly from the output of the sensor, and not through the circuitry. The resulting voltage outputs are below:
From the testing results, the amount of voltage an entire orchestra can output from the "Star Spangled Banner" can be predicted. These numbers are based off of the typical size of a modern orchestra, as well as the preliminary technical model.
One real world application for the voltage obtained through the system includes the powering of rechargeable batteries. The following numbers reflect the output of the system as a whole for the song:
Testing Results
Results and Conclusion
Conclusion
Real World Application
The system can be applied on a larger scale, such as harvesting energy from instruments in an orchestra. Since orchestras rehearse and perform for many hours a day, the energy harvested would be much larger than that of the proof of concept. This system has the potential to power low voltage devices.
All four instruments then were tested together performing the "Star Spangled Banner" with the voltage recorded after flowing through the circuit system. The system was able to harvest approximately 0.65 volts of energy after each run. The system is also capable of holding this voltage for about 5 minutes after the musicians stopped playing. This drop in voltage compared to that of the instruments playing individually was due to the impedence of the system.
At the conclusion of this project, a working prototype had been built that can transform the vibrational and sound energy from two snare drums and two trumpets into a useable energy for varying applications. Upon further testing and research, the system could be made more efficient. Some ways to improve would be to evaluate more sensors that could by used for different instruments, as well as the placement of these sensors.
As can be seen by the data, the group did not achieve as high of an energy output as expected by the technical analysis model. Based on the model, the group expected to achieve a charge time for one battery to be about 41.296 minutes. This was shorter than the time predicted based on the testing results, which was 54.71 minutes. This difference is due to many different factors. The circuit and energy harvesters provide an impedence, making it impossible to capture 100% of the energy available. There is also a human factor that needs to be addressed. It is impossible to predict the exact output of the system since the musicians will never play the same exact way each time. There are many variables that may change, such as how loud the musician will play, their consistency in style of play, and how much energy they will play with. They will not be able to play each song perfectly every time.
The system can continue to be improved through more testing and research. The goal of applying this system to a large orchestra is within reach with some improvement in efficiency.