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pj83
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I'm new to electrical engineering so this is probably a stupid question. But after reading about piezo-electricity, can it be applied to large structures, like a bridge, to generate electricity when traffic travels over it ?
pj83 said:I'm new to electrical engineering so this is probably a stupid question. But after reading about piezo-electricity, can it be applied to large structures, like a bridge, to generate electricity when traffic travels over it ?
Piezo-electricity is the ability of certain materials, such as crystals and ceramics, to generate an electrical charge when subjected to mechanical stress.
Piezo-electricity works through the phenomenon of the piezoelectric effect, where the mechanical stress applied to the material causes a separation of positive and negative charges, creating an electrical potential difference.
Yes, piezo-electricity can be applied to large structures by using multiple piezoelectric materials and arranging them in an appropriate pattern to generate a significant amount of electricity.
Piezo-electricity can be used to power sensors, actuators, and energy harvesters in large structures, as well as in various industrial and commercial settings such as vibration control, energy harvesting from roads and sidewalks, and even in medical devices.
One of the main limitations of using piezo-electricity on large structures is the cost and complexity of the materials and technology involved. Additionally, the efficiency of energy conversion from mechanical stress to electricity may also be a limiting factor.