Piezoelectric Roads

08/13/2021 https://refreshscience.com/
 Introduction

• The word piezoelectric is derived from the

greek word piezein meaning Squeeze.
• Piezoelectric is nothing but change in electric
polarization that is produced when a material
is subjected to mechanical stress and due to it
external electric field is produced.

08/13/2021 https://refreshscience.com/
Contd..
• Piezoelectric effect is reversible that is when
we apply an electric charge mechanical strain
is produced. We can say that piezoelectric
road is a new energy evolution to provide a
sustainable solution in terms of environment,
economy and social needs.

08/13/2021 https://refreshscience.com/
 Piezoelectric Energy Roads
• At present we are using asphalt roads.
• Whenever vehicle passes over it the road
vibrates and lot of heat energy is generated
and it is wasted.
• By using piezoelectric generators in roads we
can convert it into energy.

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Cont..
• Piezoelectric material in form of piezoelectric devices is
used in the application of making piezoelectric roads.
• When a vehicle travels in a road, the wheels exert a
force into the piezoelectric device and so the
deformation in the material takes place.
• These piezoelectric devices are placed about 5
centimetres below the surface of the roads.
• This deformation absorbs the force and helps in power
generation.

08/13/2021 https://refreshscience.com/
 Piezoelectric Smart Road Construction
1. The first layer is laid with Fine gravel and sand content. Then a thin
layer of asphalt is laid and it acts as a strong base for generators.
2. Piezoelectric generators are placed in quick drying concrete and
left for half an hour.
3. All the generators are connected in series to get collective output.
4. A bitumen sheet is used to cover all the generators to provide
better adhesion of concrete to asphalt.
5. Finally a thick layer of asphalt is laid which completes the
construction.
6. For one km of piezoelectric road  we can generate 44000 KWH per
year.

08/13/2021 https://refreshscience.com/
 Sensors used On Road
• A piezoelectric sensor is a device that converts
one type of energy into another.
• When electrical energy is produced due to
piezoelectric effect it is found proportional to
the magnitude of the force.
• This makes the sensor as an ideal converter of
mechanical energy into electric potential.

08/13/2021 https://refreshscience.com/
Contd..
• When used to count vehicles the sensor is
mounted into the road’s surface.
• When a vehicle moves over the sensor it
presses it and produces an electric potential.
• The size of the signal is proportional to the
degree of deformation.
• When vehicle moves off the voltage reverses.

08/13/2021 https://refreshscience.com/
 Materials Used Power Generation In Roads

Some of the most commonly used piezoelectric

materials are as follows:
1. Piezoelectric Substrate:
– Quartz
– GaAs
2. Thin Film Piezoelectrics:
– ZnO
– Lead Zicornate titanate

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 How much does Piezoelectric Road Costs?

• Generator size – 1  SQ feet.

• 1 generator approximately Rs.2000.
• No of generators needed is 3280 for 1 KM of
road.
• Cost estimation is 70 lakhs for 1 KM of road.

08/13/2021 https://refreshscience.com/
 Piezoelectric Roads In Various Countries

• ISRAEL – In 2009 Trans Israel highway was

embedded with a piezoelectric device to test its
efficiency by using the electrical energy produced
by the moving vehicles.
• The result met the required amount of energy i.e
200 KWH for a single lane and 1MWH for four lane.
• Countries like INDIA and CALIFORNIA also
implemented Piezoelectric roads.

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Advantages Of Piezoelectric Roads
• Movement of vehicles are mostly constant on busy roads
and so constant power can be produced.
• The power generated is this concept is green power and so
there is no harm on the environment.
• This power can be used for street lights and small scale
purposes.
• The response is very fast. Even the remote area can be
easily electrified.
• It is very easy to control small displacement with the
applied voltages.

08/13/2021 https://refreshscience.com/
 Disadvantages Of Piezoelectric Roads

• It exhibits high Hysterisis and creep.

• High electric field may lead to breakdown and
failure.
• Maintenance of roads is difficult and constant
inspections are to be made.

08/13/2021 https://refreshscience.com/
 Thank You

08/13/2021 https://refreshscience.com/