Piezo-electricity, can it be applied to large structures

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the application of piezo-electricity in large structures, specifically exploring whether it can be utilized to generate electricity from the weight of vehicles on bridges or pedestrians on pavements. The scope includes theoretical considerations and practical implications of energy harvesting from mechanical deformation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the feasibility of using piezo-electricity in large structures like bridges to generate electricity from traffic.
  • Another participant responds by stating that energy harvested from piezo-electric materials would not be free, as it would come from the additional fuel consumed by vehicles.
  • A different participant suggests that similar technology could be applied to collect energy from pedestrians walking on pavements.
  • Another reply reiterates that the energy from pedestrians would ultimately derive from the food they consume, hinting at the limitations of energy harvesting in this context.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that while piezo-electricity can theoretically be applied to large structures, the energy harvested would not be free and would depend on the energy input from vehicles or pedestrians. However, the practicality and efficiency of such applications remain contested.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations regarding the assumptions about energy conversion efficiency and the practical implementation of piezo-electric systems in large-scale applications. The discussion does not resolve these aspects.

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 ?
 
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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 ?

Welcome to the PF. Not a stupid question at all. We had a similar thread someplace here on the PF recently. Bottom line is that you don't get any free energy out of it. The energy that you could harvest from deforming (banging on) a piezo or other roadway would come from extra fuel burned in the cars.
 


Yeah I suppose that's true, I've read that piezo inserts in shoes could be used for powering mobiles and the like. Could'nt the same technology collect energy from people walking on pavements in busy streets ?
 


Same deal: the energy for that comes, ultimately, from the food the pedestrians eat. Though given the weight problem this country suffers, it might not be a bad idea.
 

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