Piezoelectric roads

Electricity – supply and demand in India Piezoelectricity –

History Working

Piezoelectric roads- Intro Construction Harvesting mechanism Specifications Comparison Advantages Disadvantages Conclusion

 Electricity is a basic need for everyone  But electricity reaches only 65% of the

entire population and rest 35% still live in darkness in India  That

65% population also doesn't get continuous power supply and we still face power cuts

 To satisfy all the needs we need to

produce 81,08,76,150 MW·h/yr  Whereas

,the production 60,06,49,000 MW·h/yr

is

only

 So we need 210227150 MW·h/yr , to

reach the demand.  We need to think of an alternative to

solve this crisis  Presently there are many alternatives

like solar , wind , tidal etc..  All these years we have ignored a

better alternative which is right under our feet ….“THE PIEZOELECTRIC ROAD“

 Piezoelectricity, discovered by

Curie brothers in 1880, originated from the Greek word “piezenin”, meaning, to press.  The original meaning of the

word “piezoelectric” implies “Pressure electricity’ –the generation of electric field from applied pressure.

 A force is applied along a neutral

axis (y) of a crystal and the charges are generated along the (x) direction, perpendicular to the line of force.  The amount of charge depends on

the 1. geometrical dimensions of the respective piezoelectric element. 2. The pressure applied.

 Present day we are using asphalt

roads(Tar road) on which thousands of vehicles run on it.  When a vehicle passes over a road,

the road deflects vertically(vibrates).  These vibrations are released as

thermal energy which is being wasted.  By

incorporating piezoelectric generators in the roads we can convert the vibrations caused by the vehicles into useful electricity.

 The first layer is laid with fine graval and sand

content.  Then a thin layer of asphalt is laid which acts like a strong base for the generators.  Piezoelectric generators are placed in quick drying concrete as per design and left for 30min.

 Then all the generators are wired in series to get collective

output.  A bitumen sheet is used to cover all the generators to provide better adhesion of concrete to asphalt.  Finally a thick layer of asphalt is layed which finishes the construction.

 Generators harvest the

mechanical energy of the vehicles and converts to electrical energy.  Electricity energy is transferred

and stored via harvesting module.  Then it is charged into the battery

on one side of the road.  From there it is distributed .  Yield : For one km of piezoelectric

road,of one lane we can generate 44000 KW·h/yr.

 generator size: 1sq ft  1 generator = Rs.2000  No of gen. needed = 3280(for 1km of

road.)  Cost estimation=70lakhs (for 1 km of

road.)

 We have taken the outer ring road

project of Hyderabad to compare  The overall budget of this project is

6700cr  In this a 8 lane road of 158km

stretch is laid  If a piezoelectric road is laid ……  The budget becomes 6800 cr which

is only 1.5% increase in overall budget

Power generation:  Every year 44000 kwhr is generated in one km

single lane road.  So if we calculate,

158km x 8 lane x 44000kwhr=55616000 kwhr can be generated.  In general gov of India charge Rs.5 on an avg

per 1kwhr ,so by calculation . 5 x 55616000 = Rs.270000000(27 cr)

 The amount invested on this

road returns in just less than 4 yrs.  The average life of this

piezoelectric road is 30years …so the income generated in the next 26 yrs would be a profit.

 This is a green solution for

power generation.  The centralization of power is

minimized .  Even the most untouched and

remote areas can be electrified.  Dependence on thermal

electricity is minimized which in turn saves the nature.

 The only disadvantage is that maintenance of these

roads is a bit difficult and constant inspections are to be made.

 This technology is tested in California and Israel and

have proved successful.  This is an excellent alternative to reach the increasing

demands for electricity.  We conclude that it should be implemented in India

also to accelerate the development.