Piezoelectric sensing

Below are two ways in which I think Piezoelectric sensing can better future societies. By looking at alternative formats for generating power, inventors seek to explore user friendly technological approaches that are also cognizant of pedestrian disabilities, eco-friendly attitudes and modern practices.

A Doorway to the Future

A Netherlands train station is using a revolving door to produce electricity. The Natuurcafe La Port in the train station expects the coming and going of patrons to provide 4,600 kWh a year.

The door uses a generator that harvests the kinetic energy produced when the door spins and a su­percapacitor to store the energy. The energy is used to power the cafe’s LED lights. When the lights use up the stored energy from the door, the station’s main energy supply takes over. For the curious, the station has a display that shows the amount of energy generated as customers walk in and out.

While 4,600 kWh is a small amount compared to a train station’s total energy needs, it’s great to see a large building harvesting renewable energy from as many sources as possible. These types of kinetic energy generators could go a long way if they’re consistently implemented in both new buildings and renovation projects.

 - ecogeek.org/weird-stuff/2376

Bridging the Gap

For the 2012 London Olympics, outside West Ham station, a footbridge was outfitted with a dozen energy-harvesting tiles from the British company Pavegen Systems. According to a Pavegen video, the slabs are made from “recycled lorry tires” and “recycled aluminum and other components.” The com­pany says the tiles flex 5 millimeters when stepped on, and it’s this slight give that powers the system.

According to an Olympic Delivery Authority press release, each footfall on the Pavegen tiles translates to 6 watts of energy that will help power 12 LED spotlights along the length of the walkway. The lights will be lit at full power for eight nighttime hours and half power the rest of the time, and with 12 million footballs during the Games the system is expected to produce an energy surplus of around 35 percent “to be stored as a contingency in batteries onboard the units.”

- Kinetic Sidewalk An Enlightening Feat At Olympics and http://www.cnn.com/2011/10/13/tech/innovation/pavegen-kinetic-pavements/