Power generation with peizoelectricity

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the feasibility of generating energy through piezoelectricity from public movements, particularly in high-traffic areas like roadways and train stations. Current implementations, such as those at Tokyo Station, demonstrate limited energy output and high installation costs, rendering them more of a novelty than a practical energy solution. The primary challenges include the mechanical robustness of piezoelectric materials, which are prone to fatigue failure, and the significant maintenance costs associated with replacing damaged sensors. Overall, while the concept has potential, it is not yet a viable alternative for large-scale energy generation.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of piezoelectric materials and their properties
  • Knowledge of energy generation methods and efficiency metrics
  • Familiarity with the challenges of sensor durability in high-traffic environments
  • Awareness of current energy generation technologies and their economic viability
NEXT STEPS
  • Research advancements in piezoelectric materials for improved durability
  • Explore case studies on energy generation from public movement in urban settings
  • Investigate cost-benefit analyses of piezoelectric energy systems
  • Learn about alternative energy generation methods suitable for roadways
USEFUL FOR

Engineers, urban planners, renewable energy researchers, and anyone interested in innovative energy generation solutions from public infrastructure.

dhayalanvk
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
I read an article that using peizoelectricity , ideas to generate energy from public movements was tried. How far was it sucess? If this is possible , can we generate energy from vehicles movement on roads?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
So far, the cost of installing peizoelectric sensors is far greater than the value of electricity generated. But, yes, if it could be cost effective, it could be used in roads.
 
Last edited:
Thusfar it's more of a novelty than a practical solution to our energy needs. The biggest longterm problem, IMHO, is the lack of mechanical robustness. If you want a device that, by definition, must repeatedly deform to generate a useful voltage, then that device must be extremely resistant to fatigue failure. Ceramics don't offer that, nor do the intricate interconnects that must be maintained in the contacting circuitry. When you start talking about putting it on roadways and other environments with frequent catastrophic damage caused by everyday use, the maintenance cost for replacing failed piezos would be huge.
 
I know that in Japan, for study purposes, piezoelectric sensors have been installed on tokyo station in high traffic areas to generate electricity. Doesn't generate neither volume or good cost, just study.

They look like regular soft tiles and it generates energy while people walk through them.
 

Similar threads

Graduate Resistance Force on Gas in Magnetohydrodynamic Generator
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
High School Magnetic field and generator power output
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Undergrad Is this analogy between Magnetic Force and Gravitational Force accurate in helping to understand what contributes more to a stronger magnetic force?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
Undergrad Trying to create MHD drive for a boat
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
High School Rotating Capacitor: Concentrating energy using accessible technology
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Undergrad Which does more work: gravitation or electromagnetism?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Undergrad Pushing a rod in a magnetic field
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
Undergrad Producing enough force with a Solenoid
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Undergrad Power Loss Due to An Eddy Current
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Undergrad Would an BLDC motor with rotor winded like a mirrored stator rotate?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K