Piezoelectric tiles in Japan Credits: ResearchGate
It has always been very interesting to know about the ways we harness natural forces to generate electricity. The force of the flowing rivers spin turbines, and windmills catch the breeze to produce electricity. But what if the simple act of walking could also produce electricity?
In Japan, this new and innovative idea is turning ordinary footfalls into a precious source of clean energy. Piezoelectricity is the technology behind this exceptional process, which has the potential to transform the way we think about renewable energy.
Piezoelectric tiles in Japan Credits: ResearchGate
Piezoelectricity is a process where a material produces a charge by mechanical stress. In Japan’s energy innovation, piezoelectric sensors are fitted into the designed flooring. When someone applies pressure through stepping on these sensors, mechanical stress is produced in the form of pressure , that stress is turned into electricity. This electricity then can power devices and systems.’
Piezoelectric tiles in Japan Credits: Instagram
How is this technology being used in daily life?
Japan has been a forerunner in applying piezoelectric technology in public areas. The most famous application can be found at Shibuya train station in Tokyo, which is one of the most hectic transit points globally. Here, thousands of people pass through daily, and their footsteps together create large amounts of electricity, which are used to power LED displays, information boards, and other low-energy devices in the station.
Piezoelectric flooring is also used in shopping malls and airports, because such are places with plenty of pedestrian flow, through which energy can be collected continuously. These facilities are integrated into the flooring which once gets installed, starts cutting down on the sources of traditional energy and can also contribute to a healthy environment.
This mind blowing new technology has good benefits but what are the challenges?
Use of piezoelectric technology has benefits like, it is a source of renewable and sustainable energy that reduces carbon emissions and helps in lessening the consumption of fossil fuels.
However, on the flip side, the generation amount of electricity from one step is quite less, so it requires a high foot traffic volume to generate the required energy. In addition, installation costs for piezoelectric systems are relatively very expensive and the technology is still at the early stages of being in use.
