Enhanced Electricity Generation Research Articles

Enhanced electricity generation and energy storage in a microbial fuel cell with a bimetallic-modified capacitive anode

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are energy conversion devices that utilize microorganisms attached to the electrode as catalysts for the oxidation of organic waste, thereby generating electricity. In this study, a two-step hydrothermal method was employed to prepare a CF/NiO/Fe3O4 capacitive composite anode by directly growing NiO on a carbon felt substrate as a metal framework to support the in-situ growth of Fe3O4. In this paper, electrochemical tests such as cyclic voltammetry and AC impedance were used to investigate the electrochemical performance of the modified anode. The two electrodes were characterized by SEM, EDS, XRD, FTIR, BET, TEM and SAED test. The MFCs with the CF/NiO/Fe3O4 anode exhibited significant improvements in generation of power and storage of energy performance, reaching a maximum power density of 9.29 W/m3, which has increased by 1.54-fold compared to CF/NiO anode. After charging/discharging for 60 min, the CF/NiO/Fe3O4 anode had a sum charge of 8532.07C /m2, which was a significant increase of 1868.82C/m2 compared to the CF/NiO anode. High-throughput sequencing analysis suggested that the proportion of electricity-generating microorganisms on the CF/NiO/Fe3O4 surface of the anode reached 86.03 %, which was higher than that on CF/NiO anode surface. The protein contents of the CF/NiO/Fe3O4 reached 71.03 mg/cm3. The application of capacitive materials in MFCs would allow the constructed MFCs to generate and store bioelectricity simultaneously.

Enhanced electricity generation in direct glucose alkaline fuel cell combined with microbial fuel cell

The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of combining direct glucose alkaline fuel cell (DGAFC) with microbial fuel cell (MFC) process. The system of two DGAFC cells combined with an MFC cell was successfully operated for the first time with 1 g/L glucose in 50 mM carbonate buffer solution at a pH of 10.5. The combined system achieved 99% of Coulombic efficiency and produced 6.68 and 1.80 times the total Coulombs of two DGAFC cells and one MFC cell, respectively. No accumulation of gluconic acid and high glucose mineralization were detected in the combined system within 72 h. High performance of the combined system was attributed to the synergistic effect between glucose conversion to gluconic acid in the DGAFC and its utilization by electrochemically active bacteria and fermenters in the MFC. Our results could be useful for developing novel glucose fuel cell.

Optimal potential of cascading the hydro-power energy generation site, with a hydrokinetic turbine generation system. A case study analysis in the Southern African region

The production of hydroelectricity is well-established in many nations worldwide and has a reputation for being resilient, emitting little carbon dioxide, and having a long lifespan. This article begins by examining the hydropower sites capacity in the Southern African region and the potential for generation-site enhancement. The idea is developed from the emergence of new technologies in generating electricity, and the importance of generating more energy in meeting the growing demand. Hence, it is crucial to examine ways to recover the energy that is released shortly after the hydro-turbine rotates when generating energy, hydro flow in the form of kinetic energy of flowing water is released. This article proposes the installation of a hydrokinetic turbine in proximity down flow to the hydro-turbine to recuperate and maximize the surplus energy, using the same water flow. To achieve this goal, a model has been developed with MATLAB-Simulink software, in response to the research gap. This model will calculate the maximum flow rate and, consequently, the optimal location for a turbine in this cascaded configuration. The simulation's results show how adaptable the model is in suggesting a location for the turbine to be placed for maximum power generation. Simulations run in the cascaded hydropower and hydrokinetic setup system, with different scenarios of water volume release from the Dam. As a result, this study provides a sustainable framework for enhancing electricity generation through effective energy recovery while leveraging existing hydropower infrastructure.

A hydrophilic porous graphene aerogel electrode with a large specific surface area for high-performance all-aqueous thermally regenerative batteries

All-aqueous thermally regenerative batteries (ATRBs) have shown great potential in harvesting low-grade waste heat. In this study, a hydrophilic porous graphene aerogel (GA) electrode developed by an ice template was developed for ATRBs to enhance electricity generation. The physicochemical property of GA was analyzed by traditional characterization. The main functional group of GA was N–H, which offered ATRBs a high hydrophilic surface. As a result of the ice templates, the diameter of pores in GA was almost lower than 4 nm, which provided a high specific area and good wettability. In addition, density functional theory calculations were carried out to verify the superiority of good electrical conductivity and strong adsorption on the cupric ions. Therefore, ATRB with GA achieved a competitive performance (a peak power density of 432 W/m2), illustrating great potential in the future thermoelectricity conversion application.

Enhancing electricity generation from water evaporation through cellulose-based multiscale fibers network

Harvesting energy from the water − solid interface through natural water evaporation provides a promising approach for generating sustainable electricity to power self-powered electronics. Advancing the bio-based hydrovoltaic materials enhances sustainability, with wood as a viable candidate due to the inherent hydrophilic and charged properties. However, current wood-based water evaporation-induced electricity generators (WEIGs) mainly depend on the “top-down” construction strategies. Wherein, the improvement of power density is constrained by the limited structural regulation, nondiverse building blocks, and monolithic enhancement mechanisms. Here, the high-performance wood-based WEIGs based on multiscale fibers network (MFN) are reported by embedding the Ti4O7 nanofibers (T4NF) inside the assemblies of TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibrils (TOCNF) through a “bottom-up” route. Benefiting from the large specific surface area, high surface potential, and photothermal effect of conductive T4NF, the WEIG achieves a high short-circuit current of ∼13.7 μA while delivering ∼0.94 V open-circuit voltage. This work presents an efficient method to boost performance while understanding the impact of functional MFN on water evaporation.

Harvesting Energy from Rainfall: Initial Study by Exploring Diverse Piezoelectric Array Configurations for Enhanced Electricity Generation in Proteus Software

This paper presents an innovative approach to designing and analyzing a simulated piezoelectric energy harvesting system for electricity generation, employing various array connections using Proteus software. The ingenious concept of harnessing energy from rainfall through piezoelectric technology has become an exciting way to turn a common natural occurrence into a possible power source. The rainfall energy harvesting introduces a novel approach that capitalizes on the mechanical energy imparted by raindrops as they strike surfaces, such as rooftops, pavements, or specially designed structures. This study explores distinct piezoelectric connection types to determine their impact on output voltage, focusing on applications such as rechargeable battery and LEDs. The system begins by harvesting vibration and applying it to the piezoelectric disc. The investigation prioritizes identifying the optimal array connection design. Array configurations of series (S), parallel (P), and combination of series-parallel (SP) are assessed in the simulation. Notably, the series connection of 10 units of piezoelectric elements yielded the highest output voltage at 8.5V. The findings provide valuable insights into finding the optimal array connections in enhancing piezoelectric electricity generation. This research contributes to the leading of potential applications of piezoelectric energy harvesting from rainfall, offering insights into a greener and more self-sufficient energy future.

Dual function sMoS2-cellulose/PVDF-based membrane for energy generation and pollutant removal

Fostering the creation of clean energy technologies that eliminate gas emissions and positively impact the environment is vital for confronting the dual challenges of escalating energy demands and environmental contaminants. Membrane-based technologies have emerged as effective strategies for harvesting clean energy and practically purifying water from contaminated wastewater. Here, we show that polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) with functionalized molybdenum disulfide (sMoS2) and nanocellulose (NC) is an attractive membrane for single-chamber air cathode microbial fuel cells (MFCs). Compared with conventional proton exchange membranes, our membrane boosts power generation up to 48.5 mW m−2 and efficiently catalyzes sonocatalytic dye degradation with 96 % efficiency when treating wastewater. This performance is due to a relatively high hydrophilicity, ion exchange capacity (0.84 meq. g−1), and proton conductivity (1.03 × 10−2 S cm−1), combined with reduced oxygen permeability (27 × 1012 cm s−1) compared with conventional membranes. The synergy effect of the PVDF matrix and sMoS2 + NC promotes proton transfer, enhancing electricity generation and pollutant degradation. The membrane shows promising stability and mechanical properties, offering a viable membrane for improved energy recovery from wastewater treatment.

Electricity Harvesting from Water Evaporation on Hierarchical Pore Gradient Silica Aerogel-Based Generators.

In this study, the electric energy harvesting capability of the hierarchical pore gradient silica aerogel (HPSA) is demonstrated due to its unique porous structure and inherent hydroxyl groups on the surface. Taking advantage of the positively charged surface of unwashed HPSA credited by the preparation strategy, poly(4-styrene sulfonic acid) (PSS) can be spontaneously adsorbed onto unwashed HPSA and shows gradient distribution due to the pore-gradient structure of HPSA. By virtue of the gradient distribution and the stronger ionization of PSS, PSS-modified HPSA (PSS-HPSA) shows enhanced electricity generation performance from natural water evaporation with an average output voltage of 0.77 V on an individual device. The water evaporation-induced electricity property of PSS-HPSA can be maintained in the presence of a low concentration of salt. The desirable salt resistance capability benefits from the unique 3D hierarchical porous structure of HPSA which ensures rapid water replenishment so as to effectively avoid the salt accumulation. The HPSA-based devices with the advantages of unique porous structure, easy functionalization, good physicochemical stability, good salt resistance capability, and eco-friendliness show great potential as water evaporation-induced electricity generators.

Fabrication and optimization of bioelectrochemical system using tetracycline-degrading bacterial strains for antibiotic wastewater treatment

In this study, a microbial fuel cell was constructed using Raoultella sp. XY-1 to efficiently degrade tetracycline (TC) and assess the effectiveness of the electrochemical system. The degradation rate reached 83.2 ± 1.8 % during the 7-day period, in which the system contained 30 mg/L TC, and the degradation pathway and intermediates were identified. Low concentrations of TC enhanced anodic biofilm power production, while high concentrations of TC decreased the electrochemical activity of the biofilm, extracellular polymeric substances, and enzymatic activities associated with electron transfer. Introducing electrogenic bacteria improved power generation efficiency. A three-strain hybrid system was fabricated using Castellaniella sp. A3, Castellaniella sp. A5 and Raoultella sp. XY-1, leading to the enhanced TC degradation rate of 90.4 % and the increased maximum output voltage from 200 to 265 mV. This study presents a strategy utilizing tetracycline-degrading bacteria as bioanodes for TC removal, while incorporating electrogenic bacteria to enhance electricity generation.

Electricity mix from renewable energies can avoid further fragmentation of African rivers

In Africa, mitigating climate change in a context of a growing human population and developing economies requires a bold transition to renewable energy (RE) resources. Declining costs for solar photovoltaics (by 90% between 2009 and 2023) and wind turbines (by 57% between 2010 and 2023) fuelled their construction, and hybrid forms such as floating photovoltaics (FPV) on existing hydropower reservoirs are increasingly being explored. Nevertheless, 65% of the proposed RE capacity in Africa remains hydropower, despite confirmed ecological, socioeconomic, and political ramifications on different spatiotemporal scales. The 673 proposed hydropower plants (HPPs) would increasingly affect river systems and threaten their biodiversity. While there is clear evidence that a transition to RE in Africa is technically feasible, there is a lack of spatially explicit studies on how this transition could be implemented. Hence, the aim of the present study is to explore options for an RE mix that avoids additional hydropower construction and, therefore, further river fragmentation. Attribute data of the open-accessible Renewable Power Plant Database (RePP Africa) were analysed to assess the amount of lost capacity due to operation stops. Geospatial analyses of solar irradiation and existing reservoir data were used to derive the potential for FPV. The degree of possible replacement of future hydropower was assessed under consideration of economically feasible wind and solar photovoltaic (PV) potential. To enhance electricity generation from existing HPPs, efficient and sustainable renewable power plant planning must integrate the risk of failure, as it has diminished the available capacity in the past up to 24%. Our findings further reveal that 25 African countries could replace the proposed hydropower development by FPV covering less than 25% of the surface area of their existing hydropower reservoirs. All 36 African countries could replace proposed hydroelectricity generation by fully exploiting feasible onshore wind and solar PV potential with a mean surplus of 371 TWh per year. In summary, our findings provide scientific evidence to support policy discussions on the potential electricity gains from (1) minimizing plant failure, (2) installing FPV as a co-use option, and (3) exploiting wind and solar resources. This study provides quantitative, data-based, and spatially explicit scenarios on the implementation of an RE mix that could relieve the dam building pressure on African rivers.

Harnessing overlapped temperature-salinity gradient in solar-driven interfacial seawater evaporation for efficient steam and electricity generation

Solar-driven interfacial water evaporation (SIWE) offers a superb way to leverage concentrated solar heat to minimize energy dissipation during seawater desalination. It also engenders overlapped temperature-salinity gradient (TSG) between water-air interface and adjacent seawater, affording opportunities of harnessing electricity. However, the efficiency of conventional SIWE technologies is limited by significant challenges, including salt passivation to hinder evaporation and difficulties in exploiting overlapped TSG simultaneously. Herein, we report self-sustaining hybrid SIWE for not only sustainable seawater desalination but also efficient electricity generation from TSG. It enables spontaneous circulation of salt flux upon seawater evaporation, inducing a self-cleaning evaporative interface without salt passivation for stable steam generation. Meanwhile, this design enables spatial separation and simultaneous utilization of overlapped TSG to enhance electricity generation. These benefits render a remarkable efficiency of 90.8% in solar energy utilization, manifesting in co-generation of solar steam at a fast rate of 2.01 kg m−2 h−1 and electricity power of 1.91 W m−2 with high voltage. Directly interfacing the hybrid SIWE with seawater electrolyzer constructs a system for water-electricity-hydrogen co-generation without external electricity supply. It produces hydrogen at a rapid rate of 1.29 L h−1 m−2 and freshwater with 22 times lower Na+ concentration than the World Health Organization (WHO) threshold.

Ultrastrong and Reusable Solar‒Thermal‒Electric Generators by Economical Starch Vitrimers.

In frigid regions, it is imperative to possess functionality materials that are ultrastrong, reusable, and economical, providing self-generated heat and electricity. One promising solution is a solar‒thermal‒electric (STE) generator, composed of solar‒thermal conversion phase change composites (PCCs) and temperature-difference power-generation-sheets. However, the existing PCCs face challenges with conflicting requirements for solar‒thermal conversion efficiency and mechanical robustness, mainly due to monotonous functionalized aerogel framework. Herein, a novel starch vitrimer aerogel is proposed that incorporates orientational distributed carboxylated carbon nanotubes (CCNT) to create PCC. This innovative design integrates large through-holes, mechanical robustness, and superior solar‒thermal conversion. Remarkably, PCC with only 0.8 wt.% CCNT loading achieves 85.8MPa compressive strength, 102.4°C at 200mW cm-2 irradiation with an impressive 92.9% solar-thermal conversion efficiency. Noteworthy, the STE generator assembled with PCC harvests 99.1W m-2 output power density, surpassing other reported STE generators. Strikingly, even under harsh conditions of -10°C and 10mW cm‒2 irradiation, the STE generator maintains 20°C for PCC with 325mV output voltage and 45mA current, showcasing enhanced electricity generation in colder environments. This study introduces a groundbreaking STE generator, paving the way for self-sufficient heat and electricity supply in cold regions.

Towards Hydrogen Sector Investments for Achieving Sustainable Electricity Generation.

Hydrogen constitutes an integral component within an expansive array of energy technologies poised to facilitate the nation's transition towards achieving a net-zero state. In additional, this endeavor involves harnessing regional resources judiciously, thereby fostering equitable and sustainable growth. The strategic development and utilization of hydrogen technologies necessitate a nuanced approach, encompassing an assessment of diverse technologies spanning various sectors especially power sector. Such a meticulous strategy aims to forge the most efficacious, cost-effective, and sustainable pathways, underpinned by the discerning adoption of these technologies in the market. The article delves into the intricate relationship between hydrogen and fuel cell technologies, shedding light on their combined impact on the evolving landscape of electricity generation. A particular focus is placed on the integration of variable renewable energy sources, elucidating how hydrogen serves as a key enabler in optimizing the utilization of these fluctuating energy resources. In addition, the article encompasses various methods of hydrogen production, exploring their technological advancements and implications for achieving sustainable electricity generation. Emphasizing the significance of technology development in the hydrogen sector, the paper delves into the potential of hydrogen production methods and their implications for advancing sustainable electricity generation. In essence, the article navigates the trajectory of the hydrogen sector's evolution within the broader context of electricity generation, offering valuable insights into the ongoing developments, challenges, and opportunities. By addressing the critical nexus between hydrogen technologies and the dynamic electricity landscape, the paper aims to contribute to the discourse on the future trajectory of investments in the hydrogen sector for enhanced electricity generation. To Conclude, the United Kingdom has committed GBP 20 billion over a span of 20 years to the development of Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) facilities. Additionally, the nation has identified and shortlisted electrolysis projects totalling 408 megawatts (MW) capacity. In Korea, Hanwha Impact has achieved a significant milestone by attaining a 60% hydrogen co-firing share in an 80 MW gas turbine, representing the largest co-firing share recorded thus far in mid-to-large gas turbines. Meanwhile, Anhui Province Energy Group in China has successfully conducted trials involving the co-firing of ammonia at a 300 MW unit. The Group has plans to further extend these trials, aiming to achieve a 50% co-firing level at a 1 GW coal unit. In the United States, notable progress has been made, with a 38% hydrogen co-firing share attained in 2023 at an operational 753 MW combined-cycle power plant.

Technology of Fuel Consumption and Emission Reduction, and Enhanced Electricity Generation using Mid-Infrared Rays – A Laser Additive

Efficient utilization of available resources is a promising research direction. In-depth studies can provide a unique platform for reducing fuel consumption while simultaneously reducing pollution, thereby avoiding environmental pollution and health hazards for this purpose various fuel addictive are being used now. A laser additive for liquid and gaseous fuel is yet to be developed. In this context, we successfully used the 2-6 mid-infrared spectrum as a fuel additive. To generate mid-infrared we invented a hand-lit pocket-size mid-infrared generating automizer (MIRGA). The trial fuels were irradiated with this spectral range, which caused chemical changes in the fuels.

Enhanced electricity generation of a 1.2-L microbial fuel cell with acclimation of applied voltage

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of acclimation at different applied voltages on the electricity generation and composition of anodic biofilm in microbial fuel cell (MFC). Single-chamber air-cathode 1.2-L MFCs were acclimated by different applied voltages (i.e., 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 V). The maximum power density of 1587 mW/m2 and maximum current density of 32.2 ± 0.3 A/m2 were obtained in the MFC after the acclimation by 1.0 V, respectively, which were 10.5 and 1610 times that of the unacclimated MFC. The MFC acclimated by 2.0 V could remain in stable operation with an average maximum current density of 7.8 ± 0.1 A/m2 and a maximum power density of 1439 ± 30 mW/m2 within 40 cycles (∼20 d). The average biomass of the anodic biofilms increased from 3.8 ± 0.9 mg/g before the acclimation to 11.3 ± 1.6 mg/g after the acclimation by 2.0 V. Correspondingly, the anode bacterial viability increased from 0.74 ± 0.02 to 0.91 ± 0.02. The relative abundance of Geoalkalibacter decreased from 18.7 % to 36.1 % before the acclimation to 1.3 %–18.0 % after the acclimation by 2.0 V in the bacterial communities of the anodic biofilms in the MFC. Results from this study should provide an easy way to enhance electrochemically active bacteria acclimation and improve electricity generation in the MFC.

Reduced graphene oxide-supported palladium oxide-MOx for improving the performance of air-cathode microbial fuel cells: Influence of the Sn, Ce, Zn, and Fe precursors

Over the past few decades, microbial fuel cells (MFCs) have attracted significant interest within the realm of renewable energy technologies owing to their capability to generate electricity from low-grade substrates. However, their commercialization and scaling-up are impeded by significant obstacles, including high capital costs, limited durability, and sluggish oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Here, we demonstrate an environmentally-friendly approach for developing highly efficient electrocatalysts consisting of palladium oxide (PdO) and different transition metal oxides (i.e., tin (IV) oxide (SnO2), ceric oxide (CeO2), iron (III) oxide (Fe2O3), and zinc oxide (ZnO)) embedded within reduced graphene oxide (rGO) framework for improving the efficiency of ORR in neutral medium and MFCs. Among the as-prepared electrocatalysts, the PdO–SnO2/rGO possesses the highest ORR electrochemical catalytic activity in a neutral medium (pH ∼ 7.2) following a four-electron ORR pathway, with a current density slightly lower than that of benchmark Pt/C electrocatalyst. The assessment of MFC performance is conducted by employing activated sludge as the inoculum and glucose as the sole electron donor in the anode chamber of single-chamber, air-cathode MFCs. Consistent with electrochemical performance, the maximum power output of an MFC equipped with PdO–SnO2/rGO as an air cathode is significantly higher than other tested MFCs, reaching 84.6 ± 2.8 mW m−2, which represents ∼ 91 % of the power output of an MFC with Pt/C air cathode. Our results reveal that the incorporation of PdO into transition metal reduced graphene oxide framework has the potential to facilitate their long-term application as air cathodes in MFCs that possess easy fabrication, relatively affordable cost, and outstanding electrochemical catalytic oxygen reduction capability, for enhancing electricity generation from wastewater.

Bifunctional polypyrrole/ferroferric oxide as anode material for enhanced electricity generation and energy storage in microbial fuel cell

The microbial fuel cell (MFC) is an electrochemical electricity generation device that uses microorganisms to degrade organic matter to produce electrical energy. However, due to the limited charge generated by microorganisms, the output power of MFC is relatively low. Additionally, as a traditional MFC, it cannot store charge. In this paper, we designed and developed a dual-function capacitive MFC anode, which could generate electricity and store energy simultaneously. The capacitive anode was prepared by the direct growth of polypyrrole and ferric oxide on the carbon felt matrix, and the two materials played a synergistic effect. The power density of MFC equipped with the CF/PPy/Fe3O4-modified anode reached 6.61 W/m3, 29.8% higher than that of the CF/Fe3O4 anode. When in the charging-discharging 45 min test(C45/D45), the total charge Qt released by the CF/PPy/Fe3O4 anode was increased by 1431.74 C/m2 compared with the CF/Fe3O4 anode. In this paper, the method of preparing a dual-function capacitive bioanode could store the electricity generated by microorganisms in the capacitive anode, which greatly improved the current output of MFC and solved its low output power problem.

Enhanced Electricity Generation and Heavy Metal Removal by a Rutile–Biochar Cathode MFC

The issue of heavy metal pollution has gradually emerged as a significant global concern. Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) hold immense potential for clean energy production and pollutant treatment. However, their limited power generation efficiency hampers the large-scale implementation of MFCs. The porous microstructure of biochar and the excellent physical and chemical properties of rutile render both materials promising catalysts with positive potential. In this study, we employed biochar as a carrier for rutile to fabricate a novel rutile–biochar (Rut-B) composite material, investigating its efficacy in enhancing MFC power generation efficiency as a cathode catalyst, as well as its application in heavy metal pollutant degradation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results confirmed the successful preparation of biochar-loaded rutile composites. The MFC achieved maximum current density and power density values of 152.26 mA/m2 and 9.88 mW/m2, respectively—an increase of 102.7% and 224% compared to the control group without the addition of Rut-B. Furthermore, the biochar-loaded rutile MFC exhibited excellent performance in degrading heavy metal pollutants; within 7 h, the Pb2+ degradation rate reached 92.4%, while the Zn2+ degradation rate reached 84%. These rates were significantly higher than those observed in the control group, by factors of 437.2% and 345%, respectively. The cyclic degradation experiments also demonstrated the outstanding stability of the system over multiple cycles. In summary, this study successfully combined natural rutile with biochar to create an efficient electrode catalyst that not only enhances electricity generation performance but also provides an environmentally friendly and cost-effective approach for remediating heavy metal pollution.

Enhancing electricity generation during water evaporation through a symmetric double Schottky-junction design

Extensive efforts have been made to investigate energy conversion process based on metal-semiconductor Schottky junctions. In this study we report the exploration of electricity generation through water evaporation on the surface with double Schottky junctions of symmetric design. By using such symmetric Schottky junctions at both side of a silicon wafer, the electricity generation is enhanced over the system with just a single Schottky junction. In the symmetric-junction system, water evaporation on the surface of one Schottky junction breaks the symmetry, leading to the generation of a continuous and direct current. The evaporation-induced cooling and continuous liquid-solid contact electrification at the Schottky junction on one side of the system enable the fast flow of the hot electrons across the Schottky junction on the other side. This work not only demonstrates a continuous and direct-current generation system, which has the potential of harvesting a broad range of waste heat and enabling many promising applications, but also offers a general strategy using the symmetric design of Schottky junctions to enhance electricity generation in diverse energy conversion systems.

Piezoelectric power generation from tyres

The piezoelectric effect enables the conversion of mechanical energy, resulting from the contact between a vehicle's wheel and the road, into electrical energy. Piezoelectricity refers to the accumulation of electric charge in specific solid materials, such as ceramics, human bone, and DNA, in response to mechanical stress. The objective of this project is to enhance electricity generation in an environmentally friendly manner. By utilizing technological advancements, it becomes possible to convert wasted vibrational mechanical energy from the vehicle's tire into electrical energy, leading to both cost-effectiveness and environmental sustainability. To achieve this, piezoelectric patches are strategically positioned within the wheel rim. When these patches come into contact with the road and are subjected to the weight of the vehicle, electricity is generated. In our project, we will employ polyurethane foam to safeguard the piezoelectric patches, which will be situated inside the bicycle's tire. This setup aims to generate sufficient energy to charge a battery. Consequently, the electrical energy stored in the wheels will be transformed into light energy through the utilization of the piezoelectric patches.