Feasibility Study of a Piezoelectric Footstep Power Generator for Smart University Campus

Abstract

In the emerging landscape of smart urban development, the integration of sustainable and intelligent technologies is peculiar for shaping the future of education environments. Universities are increasingly transforming into smart campuses, through innovation and harnessing data-driven and eco-friendly solutions to enhance the educational milieu and operational efficiency. Within this smart campus vision, piezoelectricity emerges as a groundbreaking avenue for renewable energy harvesting. This paper presents a thorough investigation into the deployment of piezoelectric energy harvesting systems in a university setting, where the continuous people foot traffic offers an untapped resource for energy production. By embedding piezoelectric materials within campus walkways, the study demonstrates how pedestrian activity can be transformed into electrical power, contributing to campus lighting, powering infrastructure, and fostering a self-sustaining energy ecosystem. Our research determined an estimate of 4.3 Watts of electric power that can be generated by a single individual. Indicating the viability of such systems in contributing to the smart campus infrastructure and innovative ways to generate electric energy.