In recent years, there has been a growing interest in finding new ways to generate clean and sustainable energy. One of the more innovative and promising methods involves harvesting energy from pedestrian traffic. As people walk, run, or climb stairs, they generate kinetic energy that can be converted into electricity through a variety of energy-harvesting technologies. These technologies range from energy-generating stairs and smart tiles to more advanced systems like The Walker @ the AFAS experience center.
By harnessing the power of pedestrian traffic, we can reduce our dependence on traditional energy sources and promote sustainability in public spaces. In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the latest energy-harvesting technologies and real-world examples of their use.
Harnessing Pedestrian Energy: Three New Technologies Unveiled.
1. Piezoelectric tiles
Piezoelectric tiles are often thought of as a solution for harnessing energy from pedestrian traffic, particularly by those unfamiliar with the practical limitations of this technology. These tiles are designed to generate electricity when compressed by the weight of people walking on them, using piezoelectric materials that produce an electrical charge when subjected to mechanical stress.
While piezoelectric tiles are often mentioned in discussions about sustainable energy, their practical applications are limited. They are sometimes considered for use in public spaces such as parks, plazas, or sidewalks to power low-energy devices like lights and sensors. However, their energy output is relatively low, making them less suitable for large-scale or high-impact energy generation.
2. Kinetic Pavements (Our Solution)
Kinetic pavements are similar to piezoelectric tiles but designed to generate more energy. They use a more advanced technology that allows them to generate energy not only when compressed, but also when flexed.
Kinetic pavements are typically made of a composite material that contains piezoelectric fibers. The fibers are embedded in the pavement and generate electricity when they are flexed by the weight of people or vehicles passing over them. The electricity generated by kinetic pavements can be used to power a variety of applications, including streetlights, vehicles, or other electronic devices.
The Stockholm Odenplan subway station in Sweden has installed energy-generating stairs to power the station’s lights. The stairs generate electricity through the kinetic energy produced by people walking up and down them. The energy is then stored in batteries and used to power the station’s lighting system.
The energy-generating stairs not only provide a sustainable source of energy but also serve as an innovative and interactive addition to the subway station. The stairs are designed to light up as people walk on them, creating a unique visual display that encourages people to use the stairs instead of the escalator.
So how much energy can we gain from pedestrians?
The energy we can harness from pedestrians depends on various factors, such as foot traffic density, individual weight, and the intensity of each step. However, when comparing technologies, kinetic energy systems, like the ones developed by Energy Floors, significantly outperform alternatives such as piezoelectric tiles in terms of energy output and scalability.
For example, The Walker sidewalk technology installed in Rotterdam’s Smart City district, which we will discuss in detail further on, can generate power for 320 people to charge their mobile phones for one year long or for an electric car to drive about 4000 kilometers.
Unlike piezoelectric tiles, which are limited by low energy output and higher costs, kinetic systems are designed for larger-scale applications. By efficiently converting motion into electricity, these solutions can make a meaningful contribution to energy savings while actively engaging people in sustainability efforts.
While pedestrian-generated energy alone won’t power entire cities, it offers a valuable and scalable way to reduce energy costs and promote sustainability. As technologies like kinetic energy floors continue to evolve, we can expect even greater opportunities to harness the movement of people for the benefit of communities and the planet.
Kinetic Walker @ AFAS experience center
The AFAS Experience Center is a cutting-edge establishment that serves not only as a workplace for employees but also as a state-of-the-art destination for businesses throughout The Netherlands. This novel building, owned by a Dutch family company specializing in software product development, is a hub for sustainability, a matter for which we were solicited to provide a solution.
The experience center’s atrium, situated between the AFAS office building and a public theatre, is the centerpiece of the building. In the atrium, our kinetic energy floors have been installed in a polygon shape with an infinity design overlay. An energy meter has been installed in a visible location to inform visitors about the number of calories they have burned, the amount of energy generated by their footsteps, and the amount of energy that has been converted into electricity.
Apart from the kinetic energy floors, the AFAS Experience Center is equipped with energy-efficient LED lighting, solar control glazing, and an eco-friendly climate system.
In conclusion, energy generated by pedestrian traffic can be a valuable renewable energy source. Piezoelectric tiles, kinetic pavements, and energy-generating stairs are just a few of the new technologies available to harness clean energy in the future.
