This technology is a piezoelectric harvesting module for roads, consisting of a case with an upper surface that receives external forces like vehicle loads and an openable lower surface. Piezoelectric elements are attached to the underside of the top surface, and the module is embedded into the road. The lower surface features receiving grooves for the piezoelectric elements and cushioning material, while both surfaces are made of high-friction material to integrate seamlessly with the road pavement.
While piezoelectric harvesting efficiently converts even minor vibrations into electricity and functions in the dark, generating significant power previously required embedding generators directly beneath traffic paths. Installing these in roads typically required cutting the pavement, which damaged the road, shortened its lifespan, and necessitated frequent maintenance.
This technology features a design where the upper and lower surfaces are embedded in parallel, connected by an elastic vibration-generating member that creates vibrations from external forces, and a support member that transmits these vibrations. Multiple piezoelectric elements are mounted on the support member, spaced apart and parallel to the surface. The vibration-generating member is placed outside the support member and piezoelectric elements, deforming when the top surface is pressed to create vibrations. Suitable for high-traffic areas like highway toll booths, intersections, bus stops, and parking entrances, it integrates with the pavement to convert vehicle loads into power for road lighting or sensors without damaging the road surface.
This invention was developed with support from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy for the development and demonstration of piezoelectric energy harvesters to utilize untapped road traffic energy.
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