Prospective of Societal and Environmental Benefits of Piezoelectric Technology in Road Energy Harvesting

Abstract

Road energy harvesting is an ingenious horizon for clean and renewable energy production. The concept is very compatible with current traffic trends and the ongoing depletion of natural resources. Yet, the idea of harvesting roadway energy is still in its genesis, and only a few real-time implementation projects have been reported in the literature. This review article summarizes the current state of the art in road energy harvesting technology, with a focus on piezoelectric systems, including an analysis of the impact of the technology from social and environmental standpoints. Based on an extensive desktop review study, this article provides a comprehensive insight into roadway energy harvesting technologies. Specifically, the article discusses the societal and environmental benefits of road energy harvesting technologies, as well as the challenges. The study outlined the meaningful benefits that positively align with the concept of sustainability. Overall, the literature findings indicate that the expansion of the roadway energy harvesting technology to a large practical scale is feasible, but such an undertaking should be wisely weighed from broader perspectives. Ultimately, the article provides a positive outlook of the potential contributions of road energy harvesting technologies to the ongoing energy and environmental challenges of human society.

Piezoelastic PVDF/TPU Nanofibrous Composite Membrane: Fabrication and Characterization

“…The piezoelectric effect is considered a unique property that allows materials to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy and vice versa. This particular property has been strongly supported for energy harvesting applications [8,9,10,11,12,13]. The stimulation for piezoelectric materials can be supplied by human walking, rain, wind, or waves [14].…”

Possibilities of Energy Harvesting from the Suspension System of the Internal Combustion Engine in a Vehicle

“…Obtaining energy from roads as an innovative way to provide green and renewable energy for the needs of sustainable transport is one of the directions [22]. Technologies, which harvest energy from roadways include piezoelectric-based modules [23,32], asphalt solar collectors [33], thermoelectric systems [34], electromagnetic systems [35] and the solar panels installed in the pavement [36]. Another direction of research is harvesting energy from various components of a vehicle and the internal combustion engine.…”

Energy harvesting from pavements and roadways: A comprehensive review of technologies, materials, and challenges

“…It is well established that the energy output of a single PEH is very limited, and hence PEHs have been recommended only for micro‐level applications. However, the latest developments indicate that PEHs are promising for large‐scale implementation, which could be achieved by techniques such as deployment of multiple PT arrays and multi‐stack PT configuration . The successful real‐time implementation of PEHs in places, such as Israel, London, and South America, and the California's plan to implement it on its highways indicate the growing potential of PEHs in future highways.…”