by Rebecca Walker — June 22, 2009—Piezoelectric technology may one day enable heavily used floors to generate electricity.
Elizabeth Redmond, an art student, and Andrew Katz, have formed PowerLeap LLC to market “piezo-ped” technology. The technology takes the vibration from footfalls to produce electricity.
The piezoelectric effect has been known for more than a century: When material is compressed or stress is induced, an electric field is generated across it. Plastic and ceramics are excellent materials for generating the piezoelectric effect.
PowerLeap LLC is working with flooring manufacturers and architectural designers to commercialize piezo-based flooring for high-foot-traffic areas like train stations and nightclubs.
The prototype design consists of a ceramic piezoelectric compound sandwiched between the top of the rigid flooring and the substrate. Right now, they’re targeting $100 to $200 per square foot.
PowerLeap is currently working with an unnamed “green” dance club in San Francisco to install its piezo flooring there as a test bed. For more information, see the Web site.
