The concept of piezoelectricity has been around for a while now but not many have been able to tap into this physical phenomenon to generate clean energy. Not that it is tough to harness, but just the fact that we have not been paying attention enough and did not care for its existence. But a team of students have now decided to convert pedestrian and vehicular power into clean energy.
Piezoelectric plates are placed under the cross-walk at every major traffic intersection and as movement on top, pressure and force varies, it is converted into energy. The energy generated in this fashion is used to power up street lamps, power the traffic signals and even the video cameras that will most likely spot you jumping a signal or speeding along beyond the limit.
The technology seems both interesting and something that can be used widely across the globe. The power generated is stored in lithium-ion battery and can be used for various other purposes. Converting the large amounts of kinetic energy that is otherwise waste on the roads seems easy enough to do if you are willing to invest in it and wait for long term results.
Via: Yankodesign
