Energy Harvesting Implementing Embedded Piezoelectric Generators – The Potential for the Attiki Odos Traffic Grid

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to analyze and present the benefits of the exploitation of a piezoelectric generator (PEG) energy harvesting system as well as to study and identify its usage in ‘Attiki Odos’ Highway traffic grid for energy generation and storage purposes. The research is focused initially on the study of the available technology and evaluation of the produced energy, if this technology is used at specific sites on Greek roads. For this purpose, based on experiments and taking into account the scientific experience of foreign countries where this technology has been tested, final propositions will be made on how and where to exploit this new technology. For the purposes of the study, strategically selected urban areas are used, where steadily heavy traffic load is present. Taking into account statistical data concerning the mobility of vehicles (vehicle per hour rates) in various urban areas in ‘Attiki Odos’ Highway, and the scientific experience of foreign countries in similar PEG applications, calculations in order to estimate the electric energy that could be produced if piezoelectric generators were embedded in the asphalt are performed using the simulation tool of IPEGTM. Major factors in this process are:The length of the road used for the implementation of this technologyThe number of vehicles per hour passing from the specific under study areaThe kWh of electric energy that can be produced by implementing the piezoelectric generators energy harvesting systems of the specific under study areaCalculations and an assessment of the potential electric energy generated in these urban areas will also be presented in this research providing very useful results for an early implementation of this technology.