Hybrid electricity generation using solar energy and kinetic energy of players’ footsteps – a case study: Tarkwa Akoon soccer park, Ghana

Abstract

This paper presents the design of a hybrid energy system that incorporates solar photovoltaic (PV) and piezoelectric technologies, using solar energy and kinetic energy from players' footsteps, taking into account the Tarkwa Akoon Soccer Park located in Ghana. A theoretical study of the energy generated and the energy savings utilizing either a single technology or a combination of both technologies is conducted. It is found that the piezoelectric alone can generate 27 MWh of energy, considering the entire 22 players on the pitch, while solar PV generates 13.26 kWh of energy. The installation of piezoelectric tiles at the pitch entrance can generate about 210 kWh of energy from the footsteps of 10,000 spectators. In terms of energy savings, using solar PV together with piezoelectric technology to generate energy from players' and spectators' footsteps gave substantially higher energy savings of 99.94% and 89.75%, respectively, compared to zero or minimal energy savings associated with solar PV alone. The analysis reveals that piezoelectric tiles can still produce maximum energy with minimal solar panel use, making this sustainable technology ideal for high-foot-traffic areas. Implementing this technology can improve energy efficiency, reduce global energy demand, and mitigate the effects of global warming.