Piezoelectric Roads

BY AMAN KUMAR
(59622)
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.
 Cont..

• Piezoelectric effect is reversible that is when we

apply an electric charge mechanical strain is
produced
Cont…

• We can say that

piezoelectric
road is a
new energy evol
ution
to provide a
sustainable
solution in terms
of environment,
economy and
social needs.
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.
Cont..

• Piezoelectric material in form of piezoelectric

devices is used in the application of making
piezoelectric roads. (crystals embedded in
asphalt)
02/09/2023 https://refreshscience.com/
Natural Piezoelectric
Materials
How Load are Exerted

• 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.
Load Mechanism
Cont…

• These piezoelectric
devices are placed
about 5
centimetres below
the surface of the
roads.
• This deformation
absorbs the force
and helps in power
generation.
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.
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.
Cont..

• 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.
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 (Zinc oxide)
– Lead Zicornate titanate
Quartz ZnO (Zinc oxide)
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.
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.
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.
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.
Conclusion

• This is an excellence alternative to reach the increase

in demand of electricity.
• It should be implemented in India also to accelerate
the development.
References

• Maas, W., 2009.

• “Piezoelectric Energy-Generating Roads Proposed for
California (Available online)
• Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety,
2015.