Pavement Interlayer With Embedded Piezoelectric Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of viable off-the-shelf products for piezoelectric energy harvesting systems in pavement applications, with existing solutions either being bespoke or lacking the integration of piezoelectric elements within road construction interlayers.
Innovation Solution
A pavement interlayer comprising an elongate flexible sheet with embedded or surface-mounted piezoelectric elements and transmission lines, allowing for the generation and transmission of electricity from vehicle movement, which can be rolled onto a spool and integrated into road surfaces to power low-energy loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If piezoelectric modules are embedded into pavements using known methods, then energy harvesting capability is achieved, but the system cannot be rolled onto or from a spool and requires complex installation processes
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric energy harvesting system is divided into discrete modules that can be individually manufactured and then assembled into a continuous sheet. Each module contains piezoelectric elements, transmission lines, and interlayer material, allowing the system to be both functional and rollable for easy installation
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple components (piezoelectric elements, transmission lines, interlayer material) are merged into a single integrated sheet structure. This combination allows the system to function as both a pavement interlayer and an energy harvesting device, eliminating the need for separate installation processes
2Loss of energy
If piezoelectric elements are embedded into pavements using bespoke systems, then energy harvesting is achieved, but there is a lack of viable off-the-shelf products
Solution Approach 1:
The pavement interlayer sheet is designed to serve multiple functions: it acts as a structural interlayer for crack reflection, provides moisture protection, and simultaneously functions as an energy harvesting system. This multi-functionality creates a universal product that can be applied in various pavement applications without requiring custom bespoke systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for parameter changes in the piezoelectric element configuration, spacing, and arrangement within the sheet to optimize energy harvesting for different traffic conditions and applications, making the off-the-shelf product adaptable to various requirements
3Power
If piezoelectric elements are placed under pedestrian walkways or road surfaces, then electricity generation is achieved, but the amount of power generated is low and sufficient only for low power loads
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple piezoelectric elements are pre-configured and connected within the sheet before installation. This preliminary arrangement of multiple elements in series or parallel configurations enables the system to accumulate sufficient power output for low power loads such as street lamps and ticket barriers
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables the conversion of kinetic energy from traffic into electrical energy, providing a sustainable power source for street lighting, barrier operation, and other infrastructure uses, addressing the need for a practical, off-the-shelf energy harvesting solution for road surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
Piezoelectric energy harvesting systems use piezoelectric transducers to generate electricity from movement in various load bearing surfaces
Data Source
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AI summary
A pavement interlayer, suitable for laying between layers of pavement, comprising: at least one layer (200) of interlayer material, a plurality of piezoelectric elements (202); at least one transmission line (203), coupled to the plurality of piezoelectric elements (202), for transmitting power generated by the plurality of piezoelectric elements (202) to an output.