Every Step Counts: Footstep-Driven Electricity Generation Systems

Abstract

Non-conventional forms of energy can be harnessed more efficiently to generate power. It is observed that people engage in longer and more frequent walks daily, resulting in a significant amount of wasted energy. This energy can be effectively utilized by incorporating piezoelectric crystals along walking paths. As individuals walk, the compressive forces exerted on these crystals generate an electron flow, which can be stored in batteries for future use. Despite the availability of various power sources, both renewable and non-renewable, our power needs remain unmet. Therefore, this project aims to generate power through walking or running, particularly on stairs. The generated power can be stored and utilized for domestic purposes. This system can be implemented in residential areas, educational institutions, and other locations with constant human movement. Power can be generated by utilizing the weight of individuals walking on steps or platforms. A control mechanism equipped with a piezoelectric sensor converts mechanical energy into electrical energy when the foot applies vibrations, stress, or straining forces. This generated power can charge devices such as laptops and mobile phones.The present study investigates the feasibility of generating electricity through human locomotion using piezoelectricity as an alternative energy source. Given the rapid decline of traditional energy-producing methods, it is imperative to explore non-conventional energy systems. This research seeks to identify a pollution-free energy source and optimize the utilization of currently wasted energy. To achieve this, a piezoelectric transducer converts mechanical energy from footstep pressure into electrical energy. The transducer is connected in a series-parallel configuration and placed on a wooden tile, simulating a footstep tile. This innovative tile can be utilized in crowded areas, walking paths, or exercise equipment, providing electric energy to power low-power appliances

Introduction

The project focuses on generating electricity from footsteps using piezoelectric materials, which convert mechanical pressure (like walking or stepping) into electrical energy. As electricity demand grows and energy resources are often wasted, this technology provides a sustainable solution by capturing energy from common human activities.

The piezoelectric effect occurs when materials like PZT or PVDF produce electric charges under mechanical stress. These materials can be embedded in stairs, tiles, or floors to harness the energy from foot traffic, especially in high-traffic areas like railway stations, bus stands, and roads in India.

Several research works are cited, including designs using ceramic tiles and mechanisms like rack and pinion for converting footstep motion into energy. These systems have shown promising results but vary in efficiency based on load and design.

The proposed model includes:

• Piezoelectric sensors placed beneath a compressible top layer.

• Voltage regulators, LEDs, microcontrollers, and storage batteries.

• An LCD display to show generated voltage.

Tests demonstrated that multiple sensors connected in parallel can produce up to 44V, enough to power small devices or charge batteries. The system is efficient, converting up to 95% of applied foot pressure into usable energy.

This innovation offers a non-conventional, renewable energy solution to help combat the global energy crisis, particularly suited for urban environments with dense foot traffic.

Conclusion

A 40V-generating piezo tile has been developed, with PZT proving superior to other piezoelectric materials. Additionally, a parallel connection was found to be more suitable. The study revealed a linear relationship between applied weight and generated voltage. This technology is well-suited for implementation in densely populated areas, eliminating the need for extensive power lines. It can be utilized for street lighting, charging ports, and lighting in buildings. We are confident that this technology will demonstrate its efficacy as a viable means of generating electricity from human footprints. This innovative approach holds great potential as a solution for densely populated nations such as India and China. Moreover, individuals can harness this technology to fulfill their energy requirements, as walking or jogging over piezo-placed tiles can efficiently and cost-effectively convert mechanical energy into electrical energy.

References

[1] Kokkinopoulos, et.al., “Energy harvesting implementing embedded piezoelectric generators – The potential for the AttikiOdos traffic grid,” TerraGreen 13 International Conference 2013 – Advancements in Renewable Energy and Clean Environment, 2013, pp. 1-17 [2] Vibration Based Energy Harvesting Using Piezoelectric Material,M.N. Fakhzan, AsanG.A.Muthalif, Department of Mechatronics Engineering, International Islamic University Malaysia, IIUM,Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. [3] Sasankshekhar Panda. An Investigation on Generation of Electricity Using Foot Step ISSN: 2277-9655 Scientific Journal Impact Factor: 3.449 (ISRA), Impact Factor: 1.852 K. Elissa, “Title of paper if known,” unpublished. [4] Mertens \\”Micropower energy harvesting\\” Solid state electron, [5] Jaffe, B., Roth, R.S., and Marzullo, S. (1954). Piezoelectric properties of lead zirconate–lead titanate solid-solution ceramics. Journal of Applied Physics 25: 809–810. [6] Tom Jose V, BinoyBoban, Sijo M T, “Electricity Generation from footsteps; A generative Energy Resources” International Journal of Scientific and research publication, pp 1-3, March 2013. [7] JoydevGhosh, SupratimSen, AmitSaha and Samir Basak, \"Electrical power generation using foot step for urban area energy applications\", Proceedings of IEEE International Conference on Advances in Computing Communications and Informatics (ICACCI 2013), pp. 1367-1369, 2013 [8] Amat A. Basari, Sosuke Awaji, Shintaro Sakamoto, Seiji Hashimoto, Bunji Homma, Kenji Suto, et al., \"Evaluation on mechanical impact parameters in piezoelectric power generation\", Proceedings of IEEE 10th Asian Control Conference (ASCC), pp. 1-6, 2015. [9] Jose Ananth Vino. Power Generation Using Foot Step, International Journal of Engineering Trends and Technology (IJETT) Volume1 Issue2 May 2011. [10] T.R.Deshmukh. Design and analysis of a Mechanical Device to harvest energy from human footstep motion Volume 3, Special Issue 1,ICSTSD 2016M. Young, The Technical Writer’s Handbook. Mill Valley, CA: University Science, 1989. [11] H. A. Sodano, E. A. Magliula, G. Park and D. J. Inman, \"Electric power generation using piezoelectric materials\", Proc. 13th Int. Conf. Adaptive Struct. Technol., pp. 153-161, 2002. [12] Sekhar, A., kishore, B., &Raju, T. (2014). Electromagnetic Foot Step Power Generation. International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications, 3027

Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Payyavula Hemanth Durga Rajesh, Ambati Naga Srinivasa Rao, Talari Bhargav Sai, Malla Naveen Sai Manikanta Srinivas, Yarra Brahma Teja. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.