Potentials of piezoelectric and thermoelectric technologies for harvesting energy from pavements

Abstract

To harness renewable energy in the transportation sector,research on the application of thermoelectric and piezoelectric effects in energy harvesting pavements has progressed significantly over the last few years. This study provides a comprehensive literature review of recent advances in the application of thermoelectric and piezoelectric technologies in pavements to generate electricity. Most studies on the piezoelectric effect application with piezoelectric transducers (PZTs) showed its limitation in the amount of instantaneous electricity output, while a limited number of studies indicated that a pipe system cooperating with a thermoelectric generator (TEG) may produce more electric power, and so has more application potential in energy harvesting pavements. Studies have also indicated that supercapacitors and rechargeable batteries will be needed to appropriately store the electricity generated from pavements. As a case study, the potentials of thermoelectric and piezoelectric technologies were assessed and compared based on the Florida roadway network. Using results from previous studies as well as Florida weather and traffic data, it was estimated that if the entire Florida roadway network was covered by a proposed pipe system (PP-TEG system), it would collect 55 GWh electrical energy per day, while the one covered by a series of PZTs (PZT system) would only generate 4.04 MWh electrical energy per day. Based on the cost effectiveness analysis of the two systems, unless the PZT system is only paved on the roadway section with very high traffic volume, the PP-TEG system is more cost-effective than the PZT system.