Electricity supply and demand in IndiaPiezoelectricity History Working

Piezoelectric roads- Intro Construction Harvesting mechanism SpecificationsComparison Advantages Disadvantages Conclusion

Electricity is a basic need for everyone But electricity reaches only 65% of the

entire population and rest 35% still live in darkness in India That

65% population also doesn't get continuous power supply and we still face power cuts

To satisfy all the needs we need to

produce 81,08,76,150 MWh/yr Whereas

,the production 60,06,49,000 MWh/yr

is

only

So we need 210227150 MWh/yr , to

reach the demand. We need to think of an alternative to

solve this crisis Presently there are many alternatives

like solar , wind , tidal etc.. All these years we have ignored a

better alternative which is right under our feet .THE PIEZOELECTRIC ROAD

Piezoelectricity, discovered by

Curie brothers in 1880, originated from the Greek word piezenin, meaning, to press. The original meaning of the

word piezoelectric implies Pressure electricity the generation of electric field from applied pressure.

A force is applied along a neutral

axis (y) of a crystal and the charges are generated along the (x) direction, perpendicular to the line of force. The amount of charge depends on

the 1. geometrical dimensions of the respective piezoelectric element. 2. The pressure applied.

Present day we are using asphalt

roads(Tar road) on which thousands of vehicles run on it. When a vehicle passes over a road,

the road deflects vertically(vibrates). These vibrations are released as

thermal energy which is being wasted. By

incorporating piezoelectric generators in the roads we can convert the vibrations caused by the vehicles into useful electricity.

The first layer is laid with fine graval and sand

content. Then a thin layer of asphalt is laid which acts like a strong base for the generators. Piezoelectric generators are placed in quick drying concrete as per design and left for 30min.

Then all the generators are wired in series to get collective

output. A bitumen sheet is used to cover all the generators to provide better adhesion of concrete to asphalt. Finally a thick layer of asphalt is layed which finishes the construction.

Generators harvest the

mechanical energy of the vehicles and converts to electrical energy. Electricity energy is transferred

and stored via harvesting module. Then it is charged into the battery

on one side of the road. From there it is distributed . Yield : For one km of piezoelectric

road,of one lane we can generate 44000 KWh/yr.

generator size: 1sq ft 1 generator = Rs.2000 No of gen. needed = 3280(for 1km of

road.) Cost estimation=70lakhs (for 1 km of

road.)

We have taken the outer ring road

project of Hyderabad to compare The overall budget of this project is

6700cr In this a 8 lane road of 158km

stretch is laid If a piezoelectric road is laid The budget becomes 6800 cr which

is only 1.5% increase in overall budget

Power generation: Every year 44000 kwhr is generated in one km

single lane road. So if we calculate,

158km x 8 lane x 44000kwhr=55616000 kwhr can be generated. In general gov of India charge Rs.5 on an avg

per 1kwhr ,so by calculation . 5 x 55616000 = Rs.270000000(27 cr)

The amount invested on this

road returns in just less than 4 yrs. The average life of this

piezoelectric road is 30years so the income generated in the next 26 yrs would be a profit.

This is a green solution for

power generation. The centralization of power is

minimized . Even the most untouched and

remote areas can be electrified. Dependence on thermal

electricity is minimized which in turn saves the nature.

The only disadvantage is that maintenance of these

roads is a bit difficult and constant inspections are to be made.

This technology is tested in California and Israel and

have proved successful. This is an excellent alternative to reach the increasing

demands for electricity. We conclude that it should be implemented in India

also to accelerate the development.