Piezoelectric generator LED lit by rain water

A fun experiment I did lighting an LED (Light Emitting Diode) using a piezoelectric crystal, the piezoelectric effect and rain water. The piezoelectric crystal was a disk type taken from a gift card which used piezoelectricity to produce sound. You can see more about that here:
http://rimstar.org/materials/piezo/piezoelectric_crystal_gift_card.htm

More about this experiment is here:
http://rimstar.org/sdenergy/piezoelectricity_from_water_rain.htm

- http://rimstar.org

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• piezo
• piezoelectric
• generator
• effect
• piezoelectrity
• LED
• diode
• light
• rain
• drops
• energy
• power
• diy

[Dgbug3]

First off this is not a generator.

[RimstarOrg]

@Dgbug3 The definition of generator says "mechanical energy to electrical energy". The gravitational potential energy of the water is converted to mech. energy when it squeezes the crystal, the crystal turns that mech. energy into electrical energy. In a hydroelectric dam the grav. pot. energy of the water is converted to mech. energy when it turns the turbine, the generator connected to the turbine turns that mech. energy into electrical energy. So the crystal is the generator.

[RimstarOrg]

@Dgbug3 On the other hand, it's common to refer to a diesel generator as a generator, when in fact the generator is just one component within it. So this usage is common. But I understand where you're coming from; don't get me started on the incorrect use of "windmill" :)

[RimstarOrg]

@Dgbug3 On the other hand, it's common to refer to a diesel generator as a generator, when in fact the generator is just one component within it. So this usage is common. But I understand where you're coming from; don't get me started on the incorrect use of "windmill".

[RimstarOrg]

@Dgbug3 On the other hand, it's common to refer to a diesel generator as a generator, when in fact the generator is just one component within it. So this usage is common. But I understand where you're coming from; don't get me started on the incorrect use of windmill.

[laughingidiot3]

So you can find any crystal from any of those cards at the store that make sounds/songs?

[RimstarOrg]

@laughingidiot3 I'm not sure. I read somewhere very recently that some of the newer cards have something else inside them - though I can't imagine what. If you're unsure and don't want to chance it, Radio Shack has piezoelectric buzzers that have these same crystals in them. It also wouldn't hurt to ask the people at the card store if they have any that they're throwing out for whatever reason.

[KatzOhki]

Have you tried reversing the LED's polarity?

[KatzOhki]

Have you tried reversing the LED's polarity?