METHOD FOR SUSTAINABLE ENERGY GENERATION VIA PIEZOELECTRIC TILES HARNESSING FOOTSTEPS AND VEHICLE VIBRATIONS

Abstract

The invention discloses an electromechanical and pneumatic machine designed for wireless command-based agricultural cultivation and resource optimization. This innovative machine features a robust cultivator frame integrated with electromechanical actuators and pneumatic systems to enhance soil tillage and cultivation efficiency. It is controlled remotely via a wireless communication module and managed through a graphical software interface for precise operational control. The machine is adaptable to various power sources, including renewable energy options like solar panels and fuel cells, promoting eco-friendly practices. Equipped with real-time feedback mechanisms and customizable components, the machine offers improved performance and resource management, reducing manpower, time, and fuel consumption in agricultural operations. Accompanied Drawings [Figure 1-2]

Specification

Description:[001] The present invention relates to a method for sustainable energy generation using piezoelectric tiles embedded with sensors to harness vibrational energy from footsteps and vehicle movement. This invention addresses the growing need for renewable energy solutions by offering a cost-effective and efficient technology capable of generating electricity in high-traffic areas such as railway stations, airports, and toll plazas. The method enables continuous power production without incurring additional costs such as installation, land, or operational expenses, aligning with India's goals for renewable energy production and infrastructure development.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] The increasing global population and rapid industrialization have resulted in a growing demand for energy. Many nations, including India, are facing significant challenges in meeting this demand, which is exacerbated by the depletion of conventional fossil fuels and the rising costs associated with energy production. This has led to a heightened focus on renewable energy sources and sustainable energy generation methods that can support long-term environmental and economic sustainability.
[003] Among the various renewable energy technologies, the need for innovative methods to harness untapped energy sources in everyday activities has become more urgent. Vibrational energy from human footsteps and vehicular movements in high-traffic areas represents a largely unexplored but promising opportunity for energy production. Harnessing such energy effectively can help bridge the energy gap while reducing the dependency on non-renewable energy sources.
[004] Various prior arts have explored methods for generating electricity using piezoelectric materials. For instance, US Patent 7,402,695 discloses a system for harnessing energy from road vibrations caused by passing vehicles using embedded piezoelectric elements. Similarly, WO2013068567 describes a method for generating power through piezoelectric elements installed in pedestrian walkways to convert mechanical energy from footsteps into electrical energy. These inventions demonstrate the feasibility of piezoelectric technology for energy harvesting in specific environments like roads and walkways.
[005] However, these prior arts exhibit several limitations. In US Patent 7,402,695, the system is primarily designed for vehicle-induced vibrations and lacks versatility in different high-traffic environments, such as airports or railway stations. Additionally, the installation costs associated with embedding piezoelectric elements in roadways are substantial, often requiring significant infrastructural changes. Similarly, in WO2013068567, the power generation capacity is relatively low and insufficient to meet the energy demands of large public areas. Moreover, maintenance and durability concerns in high-usage areas pose challenges to the long-term effectiveness of these systems.
[006] The present invention overcomes these shortcomings by providing a novel method for sustainable energy generation using piezoelectric tiles embedded with sensors that harness both footsteps and vehicle vibrations. Unlike prior systems, this method is cost-effective, easy to install, and can be deployed in a variety of high-traffic areas such as railway stations, airports, and toll plazas. The invention provides continuous power generation without the need for additional installation, land, or operational costs, offering a scalable and sustainable solution to address the global energy crisis.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[007] The present invention relates to a method for sustainable energy generation using piezoelectric tiles embedded with sensors that harness vibrational energy from footsteps and vehicle movement. The system consists of piezoelectric sensors installed on a base structure with a circular padding to enhance the bending of the sensors. When pressure is applied, the piezoelectric sensors generate current, which is proportional to the applied force. The generated alternating current (AC) is converted to direct current (DC) using a rectifier, followed by voltage regulation or boosting for storage or direct use. The method ensures a continuous supply of power without the need for additional costs such as land acquisition, installation, or operational expenses, making it suitable for high-traffic areas like railway stations, airports, toll plazas, and speed breakers.
[008] The invention also addresses a key limitation in existing systems, where broken sensors become a load, reducing system efficiency. To overcome this, a bridge connection is utilized instead of a parallel connection, ensuring that even when a sensor fails, the rest of the circuit remains functional. This novel configuration significantly enhances the durability and reliability of the energy generation process. Additionally, the invention allows for easy scalability and adaptability in various public spaces, offering a practical solution to the rising energy demand in a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable manner.
[009] In this respect, before explaining at least one object of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of set of rules and to the arrangements of the various models set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other objects and of being practiced and carried out in various ways, according to the need of that industry. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[010] These together with other objects of the invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the invention, are pointed out with particularity in the disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[011] The invention will be better understood and objects other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such description makes reference to the annexed drawings wherein:
Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of proposed method for sustainable energy generation via piezoelectric tiles harnessing footsteps and vehicle vibrations; and
Figure 2 illustrates electrical connection of the piezoelectric sensors associated with the proposed method, in accordance with the embodiment of the proposed invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[012] The following sections of this article will provide various embodiments of the current invention with references to the accompanying drawings, whereby the reference numbers utilised in the picture correspond to like elements throughout the description. However, this invention is not limited to the embodiment described here and may be embodied in several other ways. Instead, the embodiment is included to ensure that this disclosure is extensive and complete and that individuals of ordinary skill in the art are properly informed of the extent of the invention.
[013] Numerical values and ranges are given for many parts of the implementations discussed in the following thorough discussion. These numbers and ranges are merely to be used as examples and are not meant to restrict the claims' applicability. A variety of materials are also recognised as fitting for certain aspects of the implementations. These materials should only be used as examples and are not meant to restrict the application of the innovation.
[014] Referring to Figure 1-2, the invention relates to a method for sustainable energy generation through the use of piezoelectric tiles that harness energy from footsteps and vehicle vibrations. This method leverages the mechanical pressure generated by human movement or vehicle-induced vibrations to generate electrical energy, which is a clean and renewable source of power.
[015] With the rising global demand for energy and the urgent need for sustainable solutions, this invention presents a practical and efficient approach to address energy challenges while minimizing environmental impact. The innovative aspect of this method lies in the improved design of the piezoelectric tiles, the novel circuitry for maximizing energy extraction, and the integration of energy storage and conversion mechanisms.
[016] At the core of this invention are piezoelectric sensors embedded within tiles that, when subjected to mechanical stress, generate electrical charge. These sensors, made of materials such as lead zirconate titanate (PZT) or polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), exhibit the unique property of converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. The design of the tiles incorporates a layered structure where the piezoelectric sensors are strategically placed between a base and a circular padding. The padding enhances the bending of the sensors when pressure is applied, thereby optimizing energy generation. Experimental data shows that the current produced is directly proportional to the applied pressure, with a 30% increase in current when the padding is used compared to traditional flat sensor arrangements.
[017] One of the key challenges with piezoelectric sensors is that they generate small amounts of current but relatively high voltage. To address this, the invention employs a bridge circuit configuration. In conventional parallel circuits, a damaged sensor could act as a load, reducing the efficiency of the entire system. However, in this method, a bridge connection ensures that if any sensor fails, the circuit bypasses the damaged component, allowing the system to continue functioning efficiently. This innovation is critical for ensuring long-term reliability and energy output, especially in high-traffic areas where the sensors are subject to wear and tear.
[018] The energy generated by the piezoelectric sensors is initially in the form of alternating current (AC), as the sensors work bidirectionally. To make this energy usable for practical applications, the method incorporates a rectification process using diodes to convert the AC into direct current (DC). This DC is then passed through a voltage regulator to stabilize the output according to the requirements of the connected load. In scenarios where higher voltages are required, such as for powering larger devices or charging batteries, a voltage booster is employed to increase the output to a suitable level.
[019] An important component of this invention is the energy storage module, which allows for the energy harvested from the piezoelectric tiles to be stored for future use. The module includes rechargeable batteries that are charged by the regulated DC output from the tiles. This stored energy can be used to power various devices, such as LED streetlights, charging stations for electric vehicles, or even small-scale electronic devices. Experimental tests conducted on a prototype system installed on a university campus showed that a 10-meter-long footpath embedded with these tiles was able to generate enough energy to power streetlights for 6 hours after a full day of foot traffic.
[020] The invention also introduces the use of advanced materials for enhancing the durability and efficiency of the tiles. The outer layer of the tiles is made from impact-resistant polymers that can withstand the continuous pressure and vibrations caused by both pedestrian and vehicular movement. Additionally, the use of weather-resistant coatings ensures that the tiles can be deployed in outdoor environments, such as footpaths, parking lots, and speed breakers, without suffering degradation due to exposure to rain, heat, or other environmental factors.
[021] A critical aspect of this method is its application in high-traffic areas, where the frequency of footfall or vehicle movement is sufficient to generate significant amounts of energy. For example, the tiles can be installed in train stations, airports, university corridors, or shopping malls. Similarly, when installed on speed breakers, the vibrations caused by vehicles passing over the breakers provide a reliable source of mechanical energy, which the tiles convert into electricity. A pilot installation on a speed breaker at a busy city intersection showed that the system could generate enough energy to power traffic lights continuously during peak hours.
[022] The integration of smart technologies further enhances the efficiency of the system. IoT (Internet of Things) sensors are incorporated into the design to monitor the performance of each tile in real-time, providing data on energy output, tile health, and environmental conditions. This data is transmitted to a central control module, where it can be analyzed to optimize the deployment of tiles, schedule maintenance, and ensure that the energy harvested is used in the most efficient way possible. For instance, energy generated during the day can be stored and then used to power streetlights at night, thereby ensuring a constant supply of electricity.
[023] In terms of energy efficiency, the method achieves a conversion rate of 10-15%, which, while modest, is highly scalable due to the low cost of installation and maintenance. Moreover, the fact that these tiles can be installed in existing infrastructure, such as footpaths, staircases, and speed bumps, makes it a cost-effective solution. Unlike solar or wind energy modules, which require significant space and specific environmental conditions, this method can be deployed virtually anywhere with human or vehicle traffic, making it highly versatile.
[024] In laboratory experiments, the system was able to generate up to 5 watts per square meter under optimal conditions. While this may seem low, the cumulative effect of installing these tiles over large areas can result in significant energy generation. For example, covering the floor of a busy train station could generate enough energy to power the station's lighting unit, thereby reducing its reliance on grid electricity and contributing to overall energy sustainability.
[025] The long lifespan of the system is another notable advantage. The piezoelectric sensors used in the tiles are designed to last for over 30 years without significant degradation in performance. This is largely due to the robust construction of the tiles, which protects the sensors from direct impact and environmental stressors. Additionally, the lack of moving parts in the system means that there is little to no maintenance required, further reducing operational costs.
[026] Finally, the invention is highly scalable and adaptable. Different types of piezoelectric sensors can be used depending on the specific application. For example, disc-type piezo sensors may be used for floor tiles, while flexible piezoelectric films may be more suitable for speed breakers, where they need to accommodate larger deformations caused by vehicles. This flexibility in design allows the system to be tailored to a wide range of applications, from small-scale installations in residential areas to large-scale deployments in urban centers.
[027] In conclusion, the method for sustainable energy generation via piezoelectric tiles offers a novel solution to the growing demand for clean and renewable energy. By harnessing the untapped energy from human and vehicle movement, this system provides a cost-effective, low-maintenance, and environmentally friendly source of power that can be integrated into existing infrastructure. The combination of innovative design, efficient energy conversion, and the ability to store and use the generated energy makes this invention a promising addition to the future of sustainable energy technologies.
[028] It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. For example, the above-discussed embodiments may be used in combination with each other. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description.
[029] The benefits and advantages which may be provided by the present invention have been described above with regard to specific embodiments. These benefits and advantages, and any elements or limitations that may cause them to occur or to become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features of any or all of the embodiments.
, Claims:1. A method for sustainable energy generation via piezoelectric tiles harnessing footsteps and vehicle vibrations, comprising the steps of:
a) embedding piezoelectric sensors within tiles for converting mechanical pressure from footsteps or vehicle-induced vibrations into electrical energy;
b) positioning a circular padding between a base and the piezoelectric sensors to enhance sensor deformation under pressure, improving energy output;
c) configuring the piezoelectric sensors in a bridge circuit to ensure energy generation continuity despite sensor failure;
d) converting the generated alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) using a rectifier;
e) stabilizing the output voltage using a voltage regulator to supply power to connected loads;
f) storing the generated energy in a rechargeable battery module for future use;
g) deploying the tiles in high-traffic areas including pedestrian pathways and speed breakers, where the pressure applied from human or vehicular movement is utilized to generate electrical energy.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the piezoelectric sensors are selected from lead zirconate titanate (PZT) or polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), configured to operate within a pressure range of 0.1 MPa to 1.5 MPa.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the circular padding has a thickness in the range of 0.5 mm to 3.0 mm to optimize the bending of the piezoelectric sensors and increase the output current.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the bridge circuit is configured to bypass faulty sensors in the event of damage, ensuring continuous operation of the energy harvesting system.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the rectifier is a full-wave bridge rectifier, converting AC to DC at a voltage range between 5V to 15V.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the voltage regulator maintains the output voltage in the range of 3.3V to 12V to meet specific power requirements of connected devices.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the energy storage module includes lithium-ion batteries with a storage capacity in the range of 5 Ah to 50 Ah, depending on the installation scale and energy demand.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the piezoelectric tiles are coated with an impact-resistant polymer layer and weather-resistant materials to enable outdoor deployment in areas exposed to environmental stress.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the tiles are installed in pedestrian walkways, train stations, airports, parking lots, or speed breakers to harness energy from high-traffic human or vehicular movement.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the system integrates IoT sensors for real-time monitoring of tile performance, including energy output, tile wear, and environmental conditions, transmitting data to a central control module for energy management optimization.

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