KINETIC FOOTFALL AND KINETIC ROAD
Harvesting kinetic energies is a sustainable method for generating electricity without depleting natural resources. Few popular energy sources, such as solar, hydropower, nuclear power, fossil fuels, etc., are expensive in extracting electricity. They contribute to environmental pollution. We need a source to generate electrical energy economically, which should not impact the environment. Kinetic footfall is a new source of electricity that captures human footfall’s energy to create electrical energy.
What are Kinetic footfalls and kinetic roads?
Kinetic footfall/ roads are the way which helps in generating electricity from the power of steps (from kinetic energy). It is based on a technology that enables the flooring to harness the energy of footsteps. It can be used indoors or outdoors in high traffic, generating electricity from footfall. This study focuses on the harvesting of walking energy.
How does it work?
This generation of energy from footfall and roads is purely based on the concept of Piezoelectricity, which is the ability of certain materials to generate an Ac (alternating current) voltage when subjected to mechanical stress or vibration. When feet/wheels compress the fabric, the atoms also get pressed together and get sufficient focus to extrude the residences of electrons. When the pressure is eliminated, electrons return to their original shape. The strength ground or Footpath is built using these piezoelectric compounds to seize the electrons. With this energy harvesting method proving its feasibility, developers of energy harvesting floors concentrate on finding the most efficient ways of harvesting energy from footfalls. As a result, several inventions are in the prototype stage. However, to popularize and establish this technology among varied consumer segments, some industry players have already initiated marketing of their products, which environmental activists have well received. Based on the mechanism used for converting the kinetic energy into electrical energy, footfall energy harvesting sources can be broadly classified into the following categories:
Piezoelectric- the preferred
Though various footfall energy harvesting technologies exist, piezoelectric is the most commonly-used technology. It generates energy from external force impulses and vibrations in flooring, bridges, and frozen structures.
Magnetic
The transducer comprises a magnetic element and a conductive element, wherein one of the elements is movably coupled to the floor surface. When pressure is applied to the floor surface, the conductive element cuts the magnetic flux, and so current is induced in the conductive element.
Generator
A mechanical arrangement viz. hydraulic, pneumatic, and spring is coupled to the floor surface, such that a rotor of a micro-generator arranged in the floor tile is driven by the mechanical arrangement when a force acts on the floor surface.
Static
A capacitor is formed in the floor tile using two charging layers uniformly separated by a small gap, where one ear is coupled to the tile surface through Springs. The gap between the layers is altered by pressing the tile surface, so charges are induced in the layers.
Benefits of kinetic footfall:
- Emits no pollutants
- Generates no hazardous waste because most of the materials can be recycled
- Collection and storage of energy are simple and easy
- Efficiency is more compared to conventional methods
- Very durable
- Easy to adapt or implement in any location
There is no negative impact of implementation and the use of this process on the environment. This method is simple to control or act in any space. This method generates energy from absolutely nothing. Every step is good for about 3 joules of energy, which could light a LED street lamp for 30 seconds. Enough is enough that footsteps can create enough energy to be stored in batteries or help power electrical items. Tiles are entirely renewable and eco-friendly technology.
Implementation:
This system best suits crowded areas like large stadiums, airports, railway stations, shopping malls, and other high-density working areas. Road payments and Footpath are the most suitable energy flows to collect kinetic energy. When humans start walking on the floor, pressure develops on the floor. The piezoelectric compounds of the floor will connect the force of kinetic energy. Later, the energy flower converts the kinetic energy into electrical energy. In 2017, Pavegen, a UK-based technical company, built a sidewalk in London using this Kinetic footfall Technology. In the coming days, We will see more and more implementation of this method.
Scope in the future:
The Global kinetic footfall energy harvest market is likely to ascend at a CAGR of 54.1% over the forecast period (2021–2030), according to QuantAlign Research. The demand for kinetic footfall energy harvest is expected to reach “USD 630.0” Million by 2030. The growth of the kinetic footfall energy harvest market is primarily attributed to growing energy demand, coupled with the development of sustainable technologies to reduce the carbon footprint. Kinetic footfall is one of the best sources of electricity generation without causing any harm to the environment. This system will become more popular in the future than other conventional methods due to its wide range of applications. As Natural Resources Get lower and energy prices rise, we need this type of electricity generating method to be one of the best.
Conclusion:
Kinetic footfall is one of the best sources of electricity generation without causing any harm to our environment, so we will have to shift towards renewable and new sources. We will see this type of technology in the future.
Author: Aditya Anand
References:
https://medium.com/@rohitgurjar009/kinetic-footfall-energy-generation-e04c 67ee4223
