piezo roadways - Page 1
Forum section: electronics / general

author: bobisunreal
author_rank: Newbie
timestamp: August 11, 2016, 03:36:49 pm
content: after all you solar roadways videos i read this recently and thought of youpiezoelectric roadways!the video is terrible, but shows its a very mechanically complex system with gears and cams.......http://www.care2.com/causes/california-freeways-to-go-greener-by-generating-electricity.html

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2016, 03:49:51 pm
content: You cant extract energy without road surface deflection. Extra road surface deflection will increase rolling resistance, requiring more engine power, and fuel usage. Due to the inefficiencies of the process, this is likely to be an environmental disaster. The *ONLY* way it could be 'green' is if its use is restricted to the down lanes on long inclines, and for a short distance before entry into lower speed limit zones, not normally subject to traffic conjestion, where the energy would otherwise be wasted as heat in braking systems.

author: mtdoc
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 11, 2016, 05:10:20 pm
content: Quote from: Ian.M on August 11, 2016, 03:49:51 pmGood point. I believe there is already significant deflection present on the typical US asphalt roadway. Whether it is sufficient to make this a worthwhile idea and if additional deflection would be required is another question. And if additional deflection is necessary, how large would the effect on fuel usage be?

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 12, 2016, 01:03:48 am
content: With the move towards greater energy efficiency in vehicles, one has to ask the wisdom of removing energy from their motion. We already have vehicles with regenerative braking systems and I can't see that trend as doing anything more than increasing.Add to that the challenge of making energy available to a self-contained unit - such as a car - and it would seem quite illogical to drain energy from that system to be harvested by a fixed system.There are so many other options for fixed systems that are far more effective.

author: Brumby
author_rank: Unknown
timestamp: August 12, 2016, 09:33:31 am
content: A couple more reasons why it's a dumb idea, based on the increasing incidence of regenerative braking systems ....For the road to capture mechanical energy, it steals energy from the vehicle, reducing the energy available to be recaptured through regeneration. In effect, the driver of the vehicle is paying for the fuel that powers the piezo roadway, rather than benefiting from the regenerative systems on their vehicle.Then there's maintenance. Public roads are maintained exclusively by public authorities. Private vehicle regenerative systems will be maintained by private individuals. That's one bill public authorities will be happy to avoid (except, perhaps, for their own fleet.)Regenerative systems turn any down hill and braking situation into an energy recovery exercise. No need to figure out where to place the energy capture system - just keep it with the vehicle.Also, the energy coupling system is already in place - and in perhapsthemost efficient arrangement possible.I think I've spent more time on this than is warranted. Think I'll step up to something more productive and strip on old washing machine PCB.....

author: Ian.M
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: August 12, 2016, 09:59:23 am
content: Energy recovery *may* be justifiable on a small scale to power roadside signage in remote areas and for self-powered illuminated in-road markings, where there is a clear benefit to the driver, and the costs of providing a mains electricity supply are prohibitive but the above project is merely an example of Sierra Club californication.

author: nctnico
author_rank: Super Contributor
timestamp: September 10, 2016, 11:50:41 am
content: Quote from: Ian.M on August 12, 2016, 09:59:23 amFor road side signage they already use solar panels on a large scale. I recently came across street light equiped with a windmill AND solar panel.The piezo road idea isn't new but it is totally retarded because it will increase friction between the vehicly and the road.