Energy Harvesting Tile Generator

Sathish Kumar T

, Mukul S. B

, Roshan Maharajan R

and Yeshwanth V

S.A. Engineering College (Autonomous), Chennai-600 77, Tamil Nadu, India

Keywords: Piezoelectric Plates, Street Lights, Converter, Kinetic Energy, Energy Efficiency.

Abstract: Street lighting systems traditionally rely on conventional electricity sources, leading to rising energy costs

and a larger carbon footprint. They often miss the opportunity to harness renewable energy, particularly from

kinetic sources. This paper introduces an innovative system that uses piezoelectric plates installed beneath

speed breakers to generate electricity from passing vehicles. As vehicles exert pressure on these plates,

electrical energy is produced, which is then enhanced by a DC-DC boost converter and stored in a battery.

This energy powers streetlights, effectively converting wasted kinetic energy into usable power. The system

not only offers a sustainable and cost-effective alternative for street lighting but also reduces dependence on

non-renewable energy, promoting greater energy efficiency in urban infrastructure. By addressing the high

energy consumption associated with street lighting, this approach contributes to eco-friendly solutions and

supports the development of smart, sustainable urban environments.

1 INTRODUCTION

The rapid expansion of urban infrastructure has

significantly boosted energy demand, especially for

public utilities like street lighting, which traditionally

relies on non-renewable resources such as coal, oil,

and natural gas. While essential for safety and urban

life, these systems increase energy costs and

contribute to climate change due to their high carbon

emissions. This has created an urgent call for

sustainable energy solutions. Although renewable

sources like solar and wind have been integrated to

some extent, many lighting systems remain

inefficient. A promising yet underused solution is

harnessing kinetic energy, such as that generated by

vehicle movement, through piezoelectric technology,

which can effectively convert mechanical energy into

electricity.

Piezoelectric materials generate electricity when

subjected to mechanical stress, offering a way to

capture energy from the pressure exerted by vehicles

passing over speed breakers. Embedding

piezoelectric plates under speed breakers is a practical

approach to collecting kinetic energy from vehicles,

https://orcid.org/0009-0004-9459-4360

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7324-7106

https://orcid.org/0009-0005-4206-8041

https://orcid.org/0009-0005-2618-7680

which is otherwise wasted. This concept forms the

basis of the proposed system, which focuses on

utilizing piezoelectric technology to create an energy-

efficient and eco-friendly street lighting system.

The idea leverages the constant flow of traffic in

urban areas to generate electricity without the need

for additional infrastructure, making it a cost-

effective solution for sustainable energy production.

The proposed system works by embedding

piezoelectric plates under speed breakers. As vehicles

drive over the speed breakers, the mechanical

pressure on the piezoelectric plates generates

electrical energy.

This energy is then routed to a DC-DC boost

converter, which amplifies the voltage to make it

suitable for practical use. The boosted energy is

stored in a battery system, which powers streetlights,

providing a continuous source of renewable energy.

This method not only recycles otherwise wasted

kinetic energy but also reduces the demand on

conventional power grids, decreasing reliance on

non-renewable energy sources.

This system offers several key advantages. It

provides a sustainable alternative to traditional street

108

T, S. K., S B, M., R, R. M. and V, Y.

Energy Harvesting Tile Generator.

DOI: 10.5220/0013577900004639

In Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Intelligent and Sustainable Power and Energy Systems (ISPES 2024), pages 108-113

ISBN: 978-989-758-756-6

lighting by utilizing a renewable, consistent energy

source—kinetic energy from vehicular movement—

which is less weather-dependent than solar or wind

power. This approach helps reduce greenhouse gas

emissions by decreasing reliance on fossil fuels, thus

supporting climate change mitigation. Additionally, it

offers a cost-effective option for municipalities

aiming to reduce energy costs without sacrificing

essential services. Aligned with global smart city

initiatives, this system can integrate with other

technologies to foster an interconnected, energy-

efficient urban environment, a crucial step for

sustainable development as cities expand and energy

demand rises.

In conclusion, the proposed piezoelectric-based

street lighting system offers a forward-thinking

approach to addressing the challenges associated with

high energy consumption and environmental

degradation. By capturing wasted kinetic energy from

vehicular traffic and converting it into electricity for

street lighting, the system represents a viable and eco-

friendly alternative to conventional energy sources.

This approach not only improves energy efficiency in

urban infrastructure but also contributes to reducing

the overall carbon footprint, supporting the transition

toward more sustainable cities.

2 METHODOLOGY

The methodology for this proposed system involves

embedding piezoelectric plates beneath speed

breakers to generate electricity from vehicular

movement. When vehicles pass over these speed

breakers, the pressure applied to the plates generates

a low-voltage alternating current (AC) through the

piezoelectric effect. This AC is then converted to

direct current (DC) using a rectifier. Following

rectification, the DC signal is boosted to a higher

voltage level using a DC-DC boost converter, making

it suitable for storage and later use. The amplified

energy is stored in a battery, which supplies power to

energy-efficient LED streetlights, ensuring a

continuous energy source. A Power Management

Unit (PMU) monitors the battery’s charge level to

prevent overcharging and deep discharge, optimizing

battery lifespan and system efficiency. This setup

offers a sustainable solution by converting otherwise

wasted kinetic energy into usable power, reducing

reliance on non-renewable energy sources, cutting

energy costs, and minimizing environmental impact.

Through this innovative use of kinetic energy, the

system supports the development of smart, energy-

efficient urban infrastructure.

3 PROBLEM STATEMENT

The problem addressed is the high energy demand

and environmental impact of conventional street

lighting systems, which heavily rely on non-

renewable electricity sources, leading to increased

costs and a growing carbon footprint. Current systems

fail to capture renewable energy, particularly kinetic

energy generated by urban traffic, which remains an

untapped resource. There is a need for a sustainable

solution that reduces dependence on fossil fuels while

effectively utilizing available kinetic energy. This

project proposes an innovative street lighting system

that generates electricity through piezoelectric plates

embedded in speed breakers, converting vehicular

movement into a valuable power source, thus

enhancing energy efficiency and supporting eco-

friendly urban infrastructure.

4 EXISTING SYSTEM

This existing system focuses on the integration of

Renewable Energy Sources (RESs) like wind and

solar power into the power grid while managing the

inherent variability in their energy output. Traditional

power systems struggle to maintain stability due to

these fluctuations, compounded by dynamic

consumer demands. The system introduces a novel

energy balancing method that accounts for worst-case

fluctuations in power generation and consumption,

establishing boundaries for stable operation under

fluctuating conditions.

5 PROPOSED SYSYTEM

The proposed system captures kinetic energy from

vehicular movement by embedding piezoelectric

plates under speed breakers. When cars pass over

these plates, the pressure generates a low-voltage AC

signal through the piezoelectric effect. This AC signal

is rectified to DC, then boosted via a DC-DC

converter to suitable levels for street lighting. The

generated energy is stored in a battery, regulated by a

Power Management Unit (PMU) to prevent

overcharging and deep discharge, enhancing battery

efficiency and lifespan. The stored energy powers

LED streetlights, which use less power than

traditional lighting, and the system can also support

traffic signals, roadside sensors, and other public

lighting needs, offering a scalable, versatile solution

for urban energy demands.

Energy Harvesting Tile Generator

109

6 BLOCK DIAGRAM

Figure 1: Block diagram.

7 COMPONENTS

7.1 Piezoelectric Plates

Figure 2: Piezoelectric plates.

Piezoelectric plates are materials that generate an

electric charge in response to mechanical stress. In

this project, they convert mechanical energy (from

vibrations or pressure) into electrical energy,

providing a renewable power source for other

components in the system. Their efficiency and

reliability make them ideal for applications in energy

harvesting

7.2 DC-DC Boost Converter:

Figure 3: DC-DC boost converter.

A DC-DC boost converter is an electronic circuit that

increases ("boosts") a lower input DC (direct current)

voltage to a higher output DC voltage. It uses

components like inductors, capacitors, diodes, and

switches (typically transistors) to step up the voltage

while maintaining efficient energy transfer. The

converter works by rapidly switching the input

voltage on and off, storing energy in the magnetic

field of an inductor during the "on" phase, and then

releasing it during the "off" phase. This process raises

the output voltage above the input level. DC-DC

boost converters are widely used in applications

requiring a stable higher voltage from a lower voltage

source, such as in battery-powered devices, solar

power systems, electric vehicles, and LED lighting.

They are essential for efficiently managing power in

systems where energy must be conserved or where

the available voltage is insufficient for the intended

load.

7.3 L293D Motor Driver:

Figure 4: L293D Motor Driver.

Function: Controls two DC motors in both directions

using an H-bridge configuration.

Pin Configuratio:

- 16 pins; requires high signals on enable pins (1

and 9) to operate.

- Four input pins control motor direction

(clockwise/anticlockwise).

Applications: Common in robotics for controlling

DC motors.

7.4 Regulator:

Figure 5: Regulator.

A regulator is an electronic device or circuit that

ISPES 2024 - International Conference on Intelligent and Sustainable Power and Energy Systems

110

maintains a constant output voltage or current

regardless of variations in input voltage, load

conditions, or temperature. Regulators are essential

for ensuring that electronic components receive a

stable power supply, protecting them from voltage

fluctuations that could cause malfunction or damage.

7.5 BMS:

Figure 6: BMS.

A Battery Management System (BMS) is an

electronic system designed to manage and monitor

the performance of rechargeable batteries, ensuring

their safe operation, longevity, and efficiency.

7.6 LCD Display

Figure 7: LCD Display.

A Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) is a type of flat-panel

display technology commonly used in televisions,

computer monitors, smartphones, and other

electronic devices. LCDs work by manipulating light

through the use of liquid crystals, which are

substances that have properties between those of

liquids and solid crystals.

7.7 DC Lamp

Figure 8: DC lamp.

A DC lamp is a type of lighting device designed to

operate using direct current (DC) electricity. Unlike

traditional incandescent or fluorescent lamps, which

typically operate on alternating current (AC), DC

lamps are specifically engineered to function with a

constant, unidirectional flow of electrical current.

7.8 ESP8266 Controller

Figure 9: ESP8266 Controller.

The ESP8266 is a low-cost Wi-Fi microchip with full

TCP/IP stack and microcontroller capabilities.

Developed by Espressif Systems, it has become a

popular choice for Internet of Things (IoT)

applications due to its compact size, affordability, and

ease of use.

8 SIMULATION RESULTS AND

DISCUSSION

The simulation provides a comprehensive analysis of

the system’s performance under various conditions.

Key metrics include:

Energy Conversion Efficiency: Measures the

efficiency of converting kinetic energy into

electrical energy.

Voltage and Current Stability: Assesses the

stability of the power supply to the streetlights.

Battery Performance: Evaluates the charging and

dischargig cycles to ensure the longevity and

reliability of the energy storage system.

System Scalability: Determines the feasibility of

scaling the system for larger applications.

Figure 10: Circuit diagram.

Energy Harvesting Tile Generator

111

The image shows an electronic circuit diagram

including components like resistors, capacitors,

diodes, transistors, an LCD, a microcontroller

(labeled U1), a relay (labeled RL1), and other

elements. It also depicts a piezoelectric plate, a filter,

and a battery (BAT1). This diagram illustrates a

specific application, potentially involving

temperature and humidity measurement, as indicated

by the LCD showing "T:70" and "H:84". This setup

is relevant for understanding the design and

functionality of the system.

9 CONCLUSION

This paper explores a cutting-edge approach to

sustainable urban infrastructure through an energy-

harvesting system for LED street lights, powered by

piezoelectric technology. The system captures energy

from everyday urban activity—like vehicular and

pedestrian movement—using piezoelectric plates that

convert mechanical stress into electricity. An

integrated rectifier and boost converter ensure the

power is suitable for storage and use, with a

rechargeable battery and Battery Management

System (BMS) supporting efficient, reliable energy

distribution. LED lights further enhance energy

efficiency, requiring less maintenance than traditional

lighting.

A microcontroller, ESP8266, enables real-time

monitoring via cloud-based platforms, allowing data

on energy production, battery status, and system

performance to inform timely maintenance and

optimization. An LCD provides local feedback,

engaging users and enhancing system accessibility.

Designed with safety and resilience in mind, the

system’s wiring and connectors are optimized for

efficiency, aligning with sustainability goals by

reducing carbon emissions and decreasing reliance on

conventional energy sources. This solution highlights

the potential of renewable energy in urban settings,

contributing to smarter, eco-friendly city landscapes.

In summary, this project demonstrates how

energy-harvesting technology can transform urban

infrastructure. Its adaptability suggests potential

applications in pedestrian pathways, transport hubs,

and building designs, setting a precedent for

sustainable urban development. By uniting city

planners, engineers, and technology developers, such

innovations foster collaborative solutions to pressing

global challenges, steering cities towards a

sustainable future.

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