Power generation improvement for piezoelectric energy harvesting for roadsides sustainability

Piezoelectric (PZT) based energy harvesting is an exciting way of renewable power generation. Their use of energy harvesting in highways is a great possibilities for next generation power harvesting. In this study, power generation capabilities of these PZTs were compared when they are embedded in nine different materials while these will be used for power generation in roadsides or walkways. Power generation improvement also analyzed for these materials for both direct and indirect application of force to these materials. It is found that PZT produces most power while embedded under foam while direct force is applied and aluminum produces most power when force is applied indirectly.