In the realm of energy harvesting, two prominent systems stand out: piezoelectric effects and dynamo principles. However, both systems present significant drawbacks, rendering them unsuitable for road applications in terms of energy efficiency and economic feasibility.
Piezoelectric Effects
While piezoelectric effects are effective, a fundamental physical arises: the harvested energy is inherently distance-dependent. Piezoelectric crystals deform on a micrometer scale under pressure, restricting their energy generation to levels 10,000 times less than REPS, regardless of lifetime or efficiency. Consequently, they prove inadequate as a viable energy source for road applications.
Dynamo Principles
Dynamos, though efficient, face a significant drawback in high-frequency areas, necessitating a delay of 30 to 100 seconds to reach optimal efficiency after activation. Additionally, the conversion of translational motion to rotational motion in dynamos, along with friction, leads to a swift reduction in lifespan. To capture substantial energy, particularly from vehicles, would require impractically large dynamos, making them inefficient and cost-prohibitive for impulse capturing purposes. Dynamos exhibit optimal efficiency in the presence of continuous forces rather than intermittent ones.
REPS has the potential to revolutionize the field of energy harvesting, making a significant contribution to our transition to sustainable energy.