This technology generates electricity from people’s footsteps

Generating Electricity from Footsteps with Piezoelectric Technology

 The technology that generates electricity from people's footsteps is called "piezoelectricity". It involves the conversion of mechanical pressure or movement into electrical energy. In the context of generating electricity from footsteps, piezoelectric materials are used in the flooring or pavement, which generate small amounts of electrical energy when they are compressed or deformed by the weight of people's footsteps.

 This energy can be harvested and stored for various applications, such as powering streetlights, sensors, or even charging small electronic devices. Piezoelectricity is a phenomenon where certain materials can generate an electric charge in response to mechanical stress or deformation. This means that when a piezoelectric material is subjected to pressure or movement, it generates a small electrical charge that can be captured and used as electrical energy. In the context of generating electricity from footsteps, piezoelectric materials are used in the flooring or pavement. As people walk on the surface, their weight causes the material to deform and generate a small electric charge. This charge is then captured by electrodes and converted into usable electrical energy. 

Piezoelectric materials can be made from various substances, including ceramics, polymers, and crystals. They have been used in a variety of applications, such as microphones, sensors, actuators, and energy harvesters. In recent years, piezoelectric energy harvesting has gained popularity as a means of generating sustainable and renewable energy from human motion. This technology has been used in public spaces, such as airports, train stations, and malls, to power small devices and lighting systems. It has also been integrated into wearable technology, such as shoes and clothing, to generate power for portable electronic devices. 

 Watch on YouTube

 

How does piezoelectric work? 

The tiles installed on the floor can convert the kinetic energy produced by the movement of people into electrical energy. As more people walk over the tiles, they generate greater amounts of power. These tiles utilize piezoelectric materials that produce electric charge when subjected to external pressure or stress. When a person walks on the tile, the piezoelectric material gets compressed, causing electrons to move, thereby creating a voltage difference and producing electrical energy. 

Piezoelectric generates a limited amount of energy, around 20 watts, which is less than what is required to charge a mobile phone. Electric generators must be installed in busy areas such as gymnasiums or subway platforms to use this energy. The electricity produced through piezoelectric is consumed within a few meters of its generation point to avoid energy loss. For instance, it can power nearby telephone devices. Piezoelectric systems are durable and not costly to manufacture, compared to other materials such as ceramics. With conventional concrete cover, a piezoelectric panel weighing 5 kg would require only 180 hours of steps to amortize the energy investment for generating 10 W. 

The calculation must consider mechanical and metal parts, which may double or triple the amortization hours, but it is still below the useful life of the generator, making it a smart urban option.