Use of Human Step Energy as an Alternative Energy Source

Abstract

The work is devoted to the development of an electrogeneration system that uses kinetic energy of human pitch. Traditional methods of electricity production using thermal power plants, hydroelectric power plants and nuclear power plants are considered. Hydroelectric and nuclear power plants have the advantage of production capacity. The main disadvantage of a thermal power plant is atmospheric pollution, a nuclear power plant is likely to have radioactive contamination, and their common disadvantage is thermal water pollution. Hydroelectric power plants have less production capacity, but are environmentally better than the above-mentioned power plants. The main alternative to these stations are power plants that use wind and solar energy. The main advantage of wind power plants is the possibility of round-the-clock power generation and the ability to install almost anywhere where there is constant air movement. The main disadvantages of wind power plants are the instability of power generation due to the instability of the air flow and the generation of infrasound during operation. The advantage of solar panels is their high environmental friendliness, the ability to install anywhere. The disadvantage is the need for a large area to produce sufficient capacity and the feasibility of location in more sunny regions. These disadvantages are absent in the pavement tile Pavegen. A characteristic feature of this technology is the generation of electricity through the use of kinetic energy in human steps. The disadvantage is the inappropriate installation in places of low intensity of movement of people. The surface of the tile is made of recycled tires for durability, abrasion resistance and the prospect of further disposal of the tires. The case is made of stainless steel. When pressed, the tile surface flexes by 5-10 mm, forcing the integrated converters to generate electricity through the effects of piezoelectric effect and electromagnetic induction. One step generates 2 to 4 J of autonomous energy, or about 5 watts per step. The block diagram of the developed power generation system includes a power generating tile that generates electricity, a voltage regulator 12 V, lead-helium battery as a drive, microcontroller, sensor, communication module, stabilizer unit, power supply designed to ensure the stable operation of modules and monitoring of information on traffic intensity and amount of energy produced, and inverter. Lighting of the territory of the enterprise, premises, ventilation, etc. can be a load.