This presentation explores energy harvesting methods, focusing on piezoelectric technology, to mitigate urban heat in Indian metropolitan areas. It delves into the significance of piezoelectric systems, their impact on temperature control, and strategies for implementation.
Urbanization and human activities have led to:
High energy consumption from factories, air conditioners, vehicles, etc. Increased traffic and vehicular pollution. These factors contribute to elevated temperatures in metropolitan cities.
To decrease higher temperatures in urban areas, it's essential to reduce thermal emissions. Major causes include:
Excess thermal emissions. Lack of greenery and water bodies. Role of Thermal Emission
Thermal emissions in urban environments result from various sources, such as vehicular traffic, industrial activities, and HVAC systems. These emissions significantly contribute to the urban heat island effect, where city areas experience higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas.
Piezoelectric Technology
The piezoelectric effect describes the ability of certain materials to generate electrical voltage when mechanical stress is applied. This phenomenon can be harnessed in various applications, such as sensors and energy harvesting systems. In urban contexts, piezoelectric materials can be embedded in roads and walkways to convert kinetic energy from pedestrian and vehicle movements into usable electrical energy, promoting sustainability and energy efficiency.
In India, the largest means of transport is roadways. Implementing piezoelectric technology under roads has great potential for sustainable energy generation. By installing piezoelectric ceramics and polymers beneath pavement regions or under concrete and asphalt layers, the mechanical energy from heavy vehicles can generate electric charges. More pressure results in more electricity generation.
Site Selection: Highways, toll roads, expressways. Material Selection: Piezoelectric ceramics and polymers. Structural Integration: Asphalt or concrete. Energy Storage: Batteries and supercapacitors. Planning and Setup
Generation Process: Apply pressure → Generates energy. Utilization: Charging EV vehicles, traffic signals, board signs, etc. Monitoring and Maintenance: IoT-based sensors for indicating electricity generation levels and wear & tear of panels and ceramics. Energy Generation and Utilization
Renewable energy from existing road infrastructure. Can reduce highway electric costs. Works 24/7 with continuous vehicle movement. Supports smart city/country and sustainable initiatives. Reduces air pollution from thermal power plants. Test and Conclusion Currently, piezoelectric technology is already utilized in countries like China and is under development in India. Researchers and institutions across the country are exploring various applications of piezoelectric materials.
Relevant Research and Developments in India
Piezoelectric Energy Generation in India: An Empirical Investigation: This research describes the use of piezoelectric materials to harvest energy from pedestrian vibrations for generating and accumulating energy.
New Technology for Cost-Effective and Efficient Piezoelectric Devices: Researchers have developed a method to fabricate piezoelectric devices that can integrate with different parts of the human body, harnessing energy from movements. Link: https://dst.gov.in/new-technology-can-help-fabricate-cost-effective-efficient-piezoelectric-devices-wearable
IIT Madras Researchers Develop Materials and Micro Devices: The 'Piezoelectric MEMS technology' is required to develop high-performance thin films and convert 'piezo thin film' into state-of-the-art futuristic Naval Sensors and devices for underwater applications. Link : https://www.iitm.ac.in/happenings/press-releases-and-coverages/iit-madras-researchers-develop-materials-and-micro-device
Viability of Piezoelectric Materials in India: This study analyzes the use of piezoelectric technology for harvesting energy and its viability in the Indian context. Link : https://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2208088.pdf
For more detailed information, please refer to the presentation link: https://github.com/Vamc-24/Piezoelectric-Technology