International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 10 Issue: 08 | Aug 2023
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
www.irjet.net
“PowerWalk”- Sustainable Energy Tiles harnessing Footstep Energy Varsha Sundar1 , Chirag Sharma2 1Student, Dhirubhai Ambani International School, Mumbai 2Mentor, Young Engineers Club, Science Kidz Educare, Mumbai
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Abstract -
projections, [2] approximately 68% of the world's population is expected to live in urban areas by 2050, making sustainable energy solutions in cities crucial for global emissions reduction. Pavements can serve more than a space for walking. The sheer magnitude of pedestrian traffic in these urban centers presents an untapped reservoir of kinetic energy. High footfall areas have an [3] average of 70 to 100 steps per minute during peak hours (Journal of Physical Activity and Health, 2011). By converting the kinetic energy produced by human footsteps into usable electricity, a unique opportunity is presented to capture renewable energy from an inexhaustible source - pedestrian movement.
The increasing demand for sustainable energy solutions and the growing challenges of urbanization have compelled innovators to explore new avenues for harnessing clean energy. Sustainable energy sources harness naturally replenishing sources of energy to generate power without depleting finite reserves or emitting greenhouse gases. These sources offer a clean and enduring solution to the world's energy demands reducing dependence on nonrenewable fossil fuels. The "PowerWalk" project presents an innovative sustainable energy tile that capitalizes on the kinetic energy produced by human footsteps in high footfall urban areas. Through the utilization of piezoelectric sensors the prototype efficiently converts footstep-generated mechanical stress into electrical energy. This paper delves into the design and construction of the "PowerWalk" tiles, its optimization for energy-harvesting. The study also highlights the materials' selection, mechanical strength, and the impact of PowerWalk in reducing carbon emissions by providing renewable energy sources in urban environments. The future scope of the project explores diverse implementation areas, and the environmental implications of large-scale adoption. The "PowerWalk" prototype showcases a promising and practical solution for promoting sustainable energy initiatives and creating cleaner and greener urban landscapes.
The seamless integration of these tiles into public spaces and high-footfall areas offers a dual benefit: supplementing the local power grid with clean energy and encouraging public engagement with sustainable practices. The conversion of these everyday movements into electrical power offers a compelling opportunity to harness clean energy with seamless integration into public spaces without disrupting urban environments or requiring additional resources.
1.1 Problems Addressed This research project focuses on addressing several critical problems including sustainable energy, the increasing population, and promoting physical activity through walking.
Key Words: Sustainable Energy, Footfall, Mechanical Energy, Piezoelectric Sensors,
1.INTRODUCTION Conventional energy generation methods, predominantly reliant on fossil fuels, have proven detrimental to the planet's delicate ecological balance. The energy sector is responsible for approximately [1] 73% of global greenhouse gas emissions (IEA, Global Energy & CO2 Status Report 2020), underscoring the urgent need to transition to sustainable and low-carbon energy sources. M Harvesting energy is one of the most effective ways in which we can combat this issue. In this light, with the number of people residing in cities steadily rising there is a dynamic realm of bustling activity, particularly in high footfall areas. According to the United Nations'
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