what is the difference between electromagnetic energy and piezoelectric energy...and where does pavegen fit it?
8th OCT 2024
HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED HOW THE SIMPLE ACT OF WALKING COULD CONNECT PEOPLE TO SUSTAINABILITY?
This challenge inspired Pavegen founder and CEO Laurence Kemball-Cook over a decade ago, when he envisioned harnessing human movement not just to create renewable energy, but to engage the public around issues like net zero, sustainability, and social impact. Today, Pavegen stands at the forefront of kinetic energy generation, transforming footsteps into power while creating opportunities for people to interact with and understand sustainability on a deeper level.
Two key technologies are at the forefront of kinetic energy: electro-mechanical and piezoelectric energy generation. While both are methods of converting movement into electricity, they differ significantly in how they operate and where they’re most effective. In this post, we’ll explore the differences between these technologies and focus on how kinetic energy floors, specifically, are driving engagement in sustainability while contributing to a more energy-efficient future.
What is Kinetic Energy?
Kinetic energy generation is the process of converting motion into electrical energy. Two main approaches dominate this field: electro-mechanical and piezoelectric.
Electro-mechanical energy generation, which is the foundation of Pavegen’s kinetic energy floors, uses mechanical movement to create electricity. When pressure—such as a footstep—is applied to the floor tiles, internal components compress, generating electricity through electromagnetic induction. This process involves moving parts that create a measurable amount of electricity, which can be used immediately or stored. But at Pavegen, the true value lies in how each step connects individuals to the broader goals of sustainability and social impact.
In contrast, piezoelectric energy generation relies on materials like quartz crystals or ceramics that produce an electrical charge when subjected to mechanical stress—such as vibration or pressure. While piezoelectric systems are more compact and don’t involve moving parts, they are best suited for small-scale applications like sensors and wearables, where energy needs are minimal.
Comparing Electromagnetic and Piezoelectric
So, which is better: electro-mechanical or piezoelectric energy generation? The answer depends on the purpose:
> Electro-mechanical systems, like those in Pavegen tiles, excel in environments with high foot traffic, such as train stations, stadiums, festivals, events and urban spaces. These systems are ideal for capturing both energy and public engagement, turning footsteps into measurable contributions to sustainability goals. The energy produced helps power the imagination as well as nearby devices, lighting, or even interactive displays, while the data and insights gathered helps spark conversations around net zero and ESG goals.
> Piezoelectric systems, while highly efficient at converting small mechanical stresses into electricity, are most appropriate for precision applications. These systems are excellent in scenarios where small amounts of energy are required, such as in medical devices or wearable technologies, but are not suited for large-scale, high-traffic environments where public engagement is the primary goal.
Kinetic Energy Floors and Their Role in Engagement
Pavegen’s kinetic energy floor tiles are a perfect example of how electro-mechanical energy generation can do more than just produce electricity—it creates an opportunity for public participation in sustainability. While the energy generated per footstep may be relatively small, the impact goes far beyond electricity. People experience their role in renewable energy firsthand, fostering a sense of collective responsibility. Every step is a tangible action toward a sustainable future.
In addition to generating energy, Pavegen tiles now come equipped with Bluetooth technology to gather valuable data on user interactions, offering insights that can inform cities, businesses, and community projects. From powering urban green walls to enabling off-grid charging stations, kinetic energy floors can contribute to sustainability in ways that extend far beyond the initial footfall.
Looking into the Future of Kinetic Energy Floors
As the world shifts toward net zero and sustainability becomes more embedded in our everyday lives, we see a bright future for electro-mechanical systems like Pavegen’s kinetic energy floors. The focus will continue to be on creating a symbiotic relationship between engagement and energy generation. These floors will trigger interactive experiences, help power community initiatives, and play an increasingly important role in smart city infrastructure. The system will serve as a tool for educating and engaging the public on the importance of sustainability, while piezoelectric systems will remain valuable for smaller, niche applications that require precision but less public interaction.
Its a Wrap!
Both electro-mechanical and piezoelectric energy generation offer unique ways to harness energy from movement. However, when it comes to public spaces and high-traffic areas where engagement around sustainability is key, electro-mechanical systems—like those used by Pavegen—are the clear leader. Piezoelectric technology will continue to shine in more specialised, small-scale applications where energy needs are minimal.
As these technologies evolve, the real excitement lies in their potential to connect people to sustainability in ways that are tangible, engaging, and empowering. It’s not just about generating electricity—it’s about creating meaningful interactions with sustainability.
Join the Movement
As we move toward a net zero, low-carbon future, kinetic energy generation offers an exciting way for people to engage with sustainability through everyday actions. Whether it’s a step, a leap, or even a dance, each movement contributes to making change happen. So why not become part of the revolution and help power a sustainable future, one footstep at a time?
For more information, video content and photos of Pavegen, contact press@pavegen.com
About Pavegen
Pavegen is a purpose-driven technology business that helps power change and generates positive outcomes for people and planet. Laying underfoot inside buildings, public spaces and at events, Pavegen Kinetic Paving harnesses the power of people’s footsteps, creating not only a small amount of energy – but also imaginative, interactive experiences and data, to help educate, engage and enable meaningful actions around sustainability and Net Zero intent. Pavegen calls this Citizen Impact; powered by Pavegen.
Pavegen helps power Kinetic Street Furniture applications such as USB charging, LED lights, and Green Wall irrigation systems, whilst data from the system can be used for public educational purposes on digital display screens. Kinetic Brand Experiences at live events, expos, festivals and public spaces produce data to provide gamified experiences that help brands engage meaningfully with consumers.
The company was founded in 2009 by Laurence Kemball-Cook who invented the Kinetic Paving technology that can now be seen in over 37 countries around the world.