Piezoelectric-based Footstep Power Generation for Sustainability

The paper aims to address the ever-growing need for clean, renewable power sources through the development of a footstep power generation system ideally suited for high-traffic urban areas. Since the current shift and trend worldwide would be providing more sustainable solutions to the world, this system proposed here would be practical in harnessed human footfalls as a source of mechanical energy converted into electrical power. Utilizing piezoelectric sensors installed underneath a platform, the energy from footfalls gets amplified through an operational amplifier and stored in a rechargeable battery that can be used appropriately. The microcontroller Arduino Uno carries out measurements and control of the real-time harvesting process and indicates the data on an LCD. The system is scalable and easy to implement, making it feasible to be implemented in public spaces such as shopping malls, transport hubs, and city walkways. Among its advantages are the reduction of fossil fuel dependency, contributing to clean energy initiatives, and adaptability to numerous applications within smart cities, such as powering street lights, public displays, or mobile charging stations. This proposed solution contributes to the sustainable development of infrastructure in urban environments and also supports sustainable gains on a long-term basis. This is so because by providing energy storage management coupled with efficiency enhancements in sensors, it offers multiple benefits.