How does the piezo-electric generator really work?

The piezoelectric phenomenon was first described by the Curie brothers, who observed that certain materials generate electric current when they are deformed.

In general, piezoelectric materials undergo deformation (strain) when an electric field is applied across them (the converse effect), or produce voltage when deformation is applied (the direct effect), and thus can be used as either actuators or sensors.

Innowattech has developed a new breed of piezoelectric generators, using the converse effect, with a mechanical/electrical association that are ideally suited to harvest the mechanical energy imparted to roadways from passing vehicles. In addition Innowattech has developed a very efficient storage system to collect and store the electricity produced by these generators. The accumulated energy can be used for local power needs or routed into the grid.

Do IPEGs™ increase the vehicles' fuel intake?

IPEGs™ (Innowattech Piezoelectric Generators) do not increase the vehicles' fuel intake.

· Vehicles travelling on the road expend energy on movement from point A to point B, on deformation of the asphalt layer and to operate systems such as air conditioning.

Car fuel combustion = Energy for travel + Energy wasted on asphalt deformation + Other wasted energy

· Asphalt is a visco-elastic material; therefore, the vehicles travelling on the asphalted road expend part of their energy on deforming the asphalt layer. Only part of this energy, normally wasted on road deformation, is harvested by IPEGs™.

For more information, please see Technical Information - IPEG's™ harvest energy ordinarily wasted by vehicles.

But don't IPEGs™ increase the asphalt deformation?

IPEGs™ do not increase the asphalt deformation.

IPEGs™ have no moving parts and are harder than asphalt.

Thus, IPEGs™ do not aid or increase the already-existing deformation of asphalt.

Therefore, the vehicle does not waste any additional fuel when it travels over IPEG™.

For more information, please see Technical Information - IPEG's™ harvest energy ordinarily wasted by vehicles.

What is the installation method for the IPEGs™?

IPEGs™ are installed contiguously in two rows according to the wheel imprints.

Where is the IPEG™ installed relative to the level of asphalt deformed during movement of vehicles?

Most of the deformation of the asphalt takes place in the upper asphalt layer –above where the IPEGs™ are installed.

What are the advantages of Innowattech’s solution against other alternative energy sources?

Innowattech scientists aim to exhibit an optimal solution. It maximizes retrieval of wasted mechanical energy converting it into electrical energy. It then stores the energy with minimal energy waste. The energy is also produced close to its end users. It does not require the use and development of vast new areas as do solar and wind farms.

Innowattech's solution is capable of producing significant amounts of electricity. Its solution has an economical and commercial advantage over other green alternatives. The building costs and the expected return on investment time are estimated to be much lower than for solar energy. The solution is applicable to any place with heavy vehicle travel and not confined to specific climate and geographic areas as are solar and wind energy.

The advantages of piezoelectric generators are follows:

• Pure energy harvesting (parasitic energy only)

• Proximity to consumer (no need in special and long transmission lines)

• Solution does not take up any public space

• Functions in all weather conditions

• Low maintenance after implementation

• Data collection, e.g. “Smart Road,” "Smart Railroad” and "Smart Airport”

• Ability to provide electricity for areas remote from main electricity lines

• Solution is integrated with infrastructure – theft and damage proof

• Competitive advantage for road construction companies (e.g. tenders, municipal & enterprise contracts)

Doesn’t placement of the piezoelectric generators within the layers of the carriageway hurt the quality of the road?

Innowattech’s technology does not affect the quality in any way. The generators are placed under the upper asphalt layer. The generators possess the same elasticity as the asphalt, and therefore, provide the same resistance to the wheels as asphalt.

How long is the investment turnaround?

6-12 years, depending on the volume of traffic on the site.

How often do the generators need to be repaired?

Innowattech’s technology is very low maintenance as there are no moving parts with the generators placed under asphalt or inside a rubber mat. They need to be repaired or replaced once every 30 years

What is the output of Innowattech’s generators?

For the vehicular solution (tested on a commercial road):
Innowattech's vehicular system's harvesting potential is an average of 250 kWh per hour from a 1 km stretch of a highway (one way, one lane), assuming 600-800 trucks/buses per hour

For the train solution (simulated in the lab):
Innowattech's railway system's harvesting potential is an average of 120 kWh per hour from a 1 km stretch of a railway or subway.

For the runway solution (simulated in the lab):
Innowattech's runway system's harvesting potential is an average of 1 MWh per hour from a 1 km stretch of a runway for the traffic parameters indicated above.

For the pedestrian solution (tested at Technion IIT):
Innowattech's pedestrian system's harvesting potential is an average of 1 kWh per hour from a passageway 100 meters in length.