Benjamin Jetty

Potential of Piezoelectric Elements on Renewable Electrical Energy Generation

Started Apr. 28, 2025

Abstract or project description

Piezoelectric elements convert mechanical energy into electrical energy when subjected to stress. This method of electrical generation has the potential to make a substantial impact on the development of renewable energy. This research paper examines the feasibility of piezoelectric elements in roads, including necessary power harvesting circuit topologies, and quantifies the amount of energy harvested via an experimental setup. Specifically, this experiment examines the capability of piezoelectric energy harvesters to collect energy from moving vehicles.  To emulate a vehicle, a skateboard was used with varying added weights ranging from 0 to 8 lbs.  A test ramp was constructed to reliably start the skateboard from heights ranging from 5 inches to 25 inches. This ramp also allowed testing to determine the optimal on-track spacing between piezoelectric elements. The proposed harvesting circuit generated a peak voltage of approximately 1.5 V, commensurate with the voltage of a standard AA or AAA battery. While the total energy harvested by the system remained at or below 0.0008% of the total theoretical mechanical energy of the system, the idea shows promise for larger, more efficient piezoelectric elements that may be able to generate sufficient energy to power streetlights along roads or contribute to the nearby electrical grids while harvesting small amounts of kinetic energy from vehicles.