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Sustainability Analysis Assignment
Energy

Piezoelectronics holds the answer to handheld electronic energy needs. Piezoelectronics are devices made from compounds that have piezoelectric properties. These properties include the ability to convert mechanical stress into voltage [1]. Therefore a piezoelectronic could produce its own power and eliminate the need for harmful batteries. Many researchers believe that piezoelectronics holds the key to providing a source of renewable power. In the latter experiments of EE 346 we learned how to manipulate electrons to behave in certain ways, this included transistors. Transistors will be a valuable asset to provide a constant current over a range of voltages if piezoelectronics take root. For example, in experiment 7 we learned that a BJT can hold a near constant current over a wide range of voltages. Since piezoelectronics would harness mechanical stress to produce voltage it would be necessary for a transistor, such a BJT, to provide a constant, reliable current over a varying voltage.

Environment

The most common materials that have piezoelectric properties contain lead. However, in 2004 Europe placed a ban on lead forcing researchers to think green in order to keep piezoelectronics a possibility [2]. Scrambling for an alternative, a team at UC Berkley developed a way to produce a compound with piezoelectric properties without using lead [3]. The breakthrough once again allowed piezoelectronics in Europe by eliminating lead. This technology has taken a very large step toward being environmentally acceptable. As the piezoelectronic revolution evolves, handheld devices will become capable of self-producing power. The result will slowly eliminate batteries. Today batteries are deemed a hazardous material and, accordingly, they have to be disposed of carefully. Eliminating batteries will bring about a cleaner and more environmentally friendly society.

Economics

Economics plays a huge role in determining what technologies flourish and what technologies die out. For piezoelectronics to take root it is important that a company discovers an economically viable solution of production. Piezoelectric crystals are not a new concept and have already been implemented in many common devices. One of the most common devices is a vehicle cigarette lighter. When pushing down the lighter the user modifies the shape of the piezoelectric crystal which results in a spark to start the heating process [4]. The next step is to find an economic way to use piezoelectric crystals to make handheld electronics that can produce enough power for functionality. To solve this problem engineers will need to design more advanced piezoelectronics using nanotechnology. Once this is solved and devices can sustain power with piezoelectric crystals, costly batteries can be replaced with this advanced technology.

Equity

In terms of social equity piezoelectronics will be extremely favorable. The benefits this technology has to offer society is great and includes self-powered devices. Piezoelectronics will be the first step in a society not restricted by batteries. A person could use mechanical stress, such as sound, to charge their cell phone. However, there is very limited political equity in piezoelectronics; therefore this technology will have to be funded by the private sector. The incentive for a company to produce a self-powered cell phone with piezoelectric crystals is lucrative. In modern cities electronic devices are everywhere and their role in our lives is increasing. By eliminating the need for hazardous batteries, piezoelectric devices will serve a very important role in keeping the planet clean for future generations. Additional their application in handheld devices will allow society to continue to advance and gain freedom in this modern day of electronics.

Sources

[1] PC Magazine Encyclopedia

http://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia_term/0,2542,t=piezoelectric&i=49278,00.asp

[2] The Lead Group Incorporated

http://www.lead.org.au/fs/fst29.html

[3] Piezoelectronics Gets Green Makeover by MacGregor Campbell

http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn18149-piezoelectronics-gets-green-makeover.html

[4] Nanotechnology in Piezoelectronics, Texas A&M University

http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=8435.php