<![CDATA[This study aims to design, develop, and test an energy-harvesting floor prototype measuring 60x60 cm based on a matrix of 20 Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT) piezoelectrics. A laboratory experimental method was applied by adopting a two-layer 5 mm thick transparent acrylic sandwich structure, square styrofoam pieces as mechanical force concentrators, a parallel topology with a 5x4 matrix configuration, a 1N4007 full-bridge rectifier, a 470 µF electrolytic filter capacitor, and connected to a fixed resistive load of 1.000 Ω. Dynamic testing excited the tile using footsteps of pedestrians weighing 47–106 kg over a duration of 1–3 minutes. Functional mechanical test results demonstrate that the tile robustly withstands an extreme load of 106 kg without inducing fractures in the brittle PZT elements. Functional electrical testing yields steady-state DC voltage accumulation that increases proportionally, reaching a peak value of 6.9 V at the 3rd minute. The theoretical transient time constant (τ = 0.47 seconds) is proven effective in smoothing power ripples during pedestrian footstep intervals, supported by an extended real discharge duration of up to 1872 seconds. In conclusion, this smart floor prototype is structurally and electrically valid for low-power supply applications.]]>
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