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FUTURE USES OF THE PIEZOELECTRIC EFFECT FOR ENERGY
PRODUCTION

Zack Mester (zlm5@pitt.edu) and Guilherme Tamassia (gvt2@pitt.edu)

AbstractIt has become clear that engineers must find alternative solutions for the energy crisis. One promising alternative
utilizes technology whose current applications range from sparking barbeque grills to powering clocks and lights. This
technology is known as the piezoelectric effect in which pressure (or deformation) can generate electricity and vice versa.
The piezoelectric effect can be used to harvest the energy used in walking to help reduce the impact of electricity generation
on the environment, but unless the nano-particles used in creating piezoelectric generators are carefully monitored these
generators could cause more harm than good.
In this paper, we will discuss how scientists and engineers are looking to use this effect to generate electric power on a mass
scale via piezoelectric floor tiles. The concept relies on using the pressure from human footsteps to activate and generate
power. The East Japan Railway Company (JR East) has installed piezoelectric tiles in a subway that sees 2.4 million
passengers in the station each day. Some nano-particles have been shown to be toxic to both humans and bacteria, and the
use of piezoelectricity could spread these harmful nano-particles if it is not regulated properly, which poses some ethical
dilemmas.
The piezoelectric effect identifies most closely with the Conference Topic area of energy. This effect is also cross disciplinary
because it calls upon concepts of Materials Science, Mechanical, and Electrical Engineering because it is the bridge between
mechanical and electrical energy.

Key WordsEfficiency, Environment, Floor Tiles, High Population Traffic, Nano-particles, Piezoelectricity, Renewable

FUTURE USES OF THE PIEZOELECTRIC EFFECT FOR ENERGY PRODUCTION

Until the twenty-first century, the worlds means of obtaining energy has never been questioned. Fossil fuels have been
polluting the atmosphere for decades, and the entire population has become almost completely dependent on these
disappearing fuels. It has become clear that engineers must find alternative solutions for the energy crisis. One promising
alternative utilizes technology whose current applications range from sparking barbeque grills to powering clocks and lights.
This technology is known as the piezoelectric effect in which pressure (or deformation) can generate electricity or vice versa.
The piezoelectric effect can be used in floor tiles to harvest the energy from pressure and vibration from activities such as
walking to help reduce the impact of electricity generation on the environment, but unless the materials used in creating
piezoelectric generators are carefully monitored, these generators could cause more harm than good.

HOW THE PIEZOELECTRIC EFFECT WORKS

To begin, the piezoelectric effect combines the work of many fields of study, such as mechanical engineering, material
science, and of course, electrical engineering. It describes the association between mechanical stress and electrical voltage in
solids. In fact, it is often defined as the bridge between electrostatics and mechanics, thus, combining the efforts of
electrical engineering and mechanical engineering. The piezoelectric effect can only happen in certain materials that are
nonconductive. These materials are manufactured very small to the size of nanoparticles, and they make up two main groups
which are crystals and ceramics. Quartz is often used in piezoelectric devices, but many other types of nano-sized crystals
and ceramics can be used as well [Piezoelectric materials np]. Thus, in order for the piezoelectric effect to be achieved
successfully, a sufficient knowledge of mechanics, electrostatics, and material science is all required.
The key to the generation of electricity within the piezoelectric effect lies within the organized lattice structure of the
crystal or ceramic nanoparticles. In Greek, piezo means pressure [Scholer 4]. When pressure is applied to these
nanoparticles, the symmetry of the crystal structure is inverted creating a nonzero dipole moment within the lattice structure
[Berger np]. The small size of these nanoparticles bends more easily than larger crystals and produces charge more easily.
As one large solid piece, the materials are brittle. At a nanoscale, however, the piezoelectric materials are much more
flexible. This effect is similar to comparing fiberglass with a pane of glass. Fiberglass is composed of many small strands
and fibers while a pane of glass is a large, solid, and brittle piece. Hence, this flexible structure allows the nanomaterial to
distort more and create more charge. These nanoparticles can be formed into braided fibers which can then be shaped into
plates. These plates can be adjusted and tuned for various environments to capture various types of energy [Berger np].
The next section discusses how these piezoelectric materials can be tuned to a small scale to capture energy from the
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vibrations of noise or flowing water. Also, large scale applications, such as piezoelectric walking tiles or ocean tiles, are
discussed at length along with their economic and environmental implications. Therefore, much innovation can be
implemented into the effects of piezoelectricity.

INNOVATIVE PIEZOELECTRIC TECHNIQUES

The main advantage to developing piezoelectric power generators is the fact that there are multiple ways to harness the
piezoelectric energy. Some approaches involve using electrical energy, such as the Pavegen tiles, while others attempt to
convert mechanical energy into chemical energy. Research is currently being developed in the area of chemical reaction
catalysis via piezoelectric materials. This is a situation where the potential difference created by the piezoelectric material of
choice would be used to catalyze some chemical reaction. The most common reaction to be subject to this exposure is the
splitting of water molecules into its respective atoms. This is useful for storing hydrogen on its own, which can later be used
as a carbon emission free fuel [Berger np]. Thus, piezoelectricity can be used to harness small scale energies such as splitting
water into hydrogen.
Perhaps the most innovative approach of capturing piezoelectricity stems from an everyday activity performed by people
every day: walking. The piezoelectric effect can be used in floor tiles to harness an energy that most people take for granted
every day: the energy that is dissipated into the ground in every step. The most rudimentary techniques to harness this power
simply involve a piezoelectric sheet that would get compressed by the pressure exerted by someones footsteps. This method
captures one cycle per footstep. The frequency would, arbitrarily, be one because it would fulfill one compression per
footstep. Through this technique, the goal is to maximize the area of the piezoelectric material in order to maximize the
energy output [Amato np]. Since a force can only deform the tile by a fixed amount, increasing the area of this deformation
or even creating multiple layers of piezoelectric sheets would improve the energy production.
A different approach to piezoelectric floor tiles involves a method called plucking. This is because a beam of
piezoelectric material would be plucked like a guitar string when the tile is stepped on and allowed to oscillate freely [Wu 6].
This reduces the amount of deformation the piezoelectric material goes through, but still produces a significantly larger
amount of energy than the traditional methods.
The piezoelectric effect can also be used on a much smaller scale using very thin sensitive sheets. These sheets are so
sensitive that sound waves will generate electricity that can be harnessed. One possible use for these sheets is to capture
energy through the sound of running water. If used properly these sheets could greatly improve the energy output of
hydroelectric dams and allow any form of running water to create power [Streeter np]. This technology could potentially lead
to self-heated showers, appliances powered by the running water from sinks, and even sewage systems that power
streetlamps.
Research is also being used in ways to apply these piezoelectric films to detect stardust, small impacts on the outside of
space shuttles, and to detect tampering with safes. By plastering these films on the outsides of safes one could monitor any
sort of tampering from the exterior. The films could be used to detect micro particles that collide with space shuttles by
exposing them to outer space like a layer of skin. These films could also be used to capture the kinetic energy of raindrops
[Berger np]. The uses for these films are limited only by the imagination, something that makes this technology truly unique.

CREATING PIEZOELECTRICITY

As previously mentioned, piezoelectricity can be created in a large scale fashion and in a small scale fashion as well.
Piezoelectricity is often created on a large scale by using tiles to capture vibrations from objects that are visible to the human
eye. The conventional build of a piezoelectric tile creates energy using the forced method. In a piezoelectric experiment
performed by mechanical engineers in Taiwan, the forced method was simulated by connecting two sides of a piezoelectric
beam directly to a shaker that simulates external vibration from the environment [Wu 6]. Hence, the external force provided
by the shaker is absorbed directly into the beam distorting the material to create piezoelectricity.
Within the same experiment, the group of mechanical engineers also tested a new innovative approach to generating
piezoelectricity known as the plucked method. Instead of clamping down two sides of the piezoelectric beam, only one
side is clamped down allowing the beam to resonant more freely, and a small pick is now clamped down onto the shaker.
Now when the shaker operates, it is able to pluck the beam allowing it to oscillate similarly to how a guitar string
oscillates. The initial force of the plucked method is less than the forced method. However, the oscillating pattern of the
plucked method creates a higher frequency of vibration that is ninety times bigger than the forced method. This causes
the overall displacement of the piezoelectric materials to be greater than the forced method leading to an energy level that
is 9.6792 times more [Wu 7]. Without a doubt, the technology and efficiency of piezoelectric generators is definitely
increasing, and one can expect to see even further improvement in years to come. This experiment demonstrates very well
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where piezoelectric technology is going. Later sections in this paper will discuss innovative possibilities as well as current
uses for piezoelectricity.
A different way to use piezoelectric materials is to have them be compressed by sound waves [Scholer 8]. Some ultra-high
quality microphones already use piezoelectric materials for sound quality and pitch accuracy beyond the normal microphone
technologies. This piezoelectric material is actually a very thin film that captures the energy of sound waves as they reflect
off of it. There is research being conducted in expanding the uses for these films by using them for power generation in noisy
environments [Scholer 8]. One example of such an environment is a hydro-electric dam. The massive volume of water
flowing through the turbines generates an incredible amount of sound, and if piezoelectric films were to be used to capture
that energy alongside the hydro-electric turbines we could greatly increase the energy output of existing hydroelectric dams
[Berger np].
A different set of loud environments where these films could be used include highways and city streets. The cars, trucks,
and motorcycles all contribute to the noise pollution in the areas near highways. Some highways already have noise barriers
erected alongside them to prevent the noise from bothering those living nearby, and these barriers could provide an ideal
support for piezoelectric films. They would be laid out and flattened on the side of the barriers facing traffic [Berger np].
These films would further reduce the noise pollution by acting as a buffer layer between the sound waves and the wall, and
could generate a consistent energy output through the constant exposure to sound.
Finally, one of the most promising environments to use piezoelectric films to generate power is the beach. By placing
films along the shoreline we could capture the sound of the crashing waves every hour of every day. This would be
accomplished by making a floating platform that would move back and forth with the tide in order always be near the area
with the most crashing waves. Thicker films could also be placed around piers and docks to absorb the energy of the waves
hitting the piers or docks [Amato np]. This works in a similar way where piezoelectric floor tiles absorb the impact from
footsteps.

WHERE PIEZOELECTRIC TILES CAN BE USED

In order for the piezoelectric effect to reach maximum efficiency in power creation, it must be utilized in an environment
with a maximum amount of pressure and vibration to distort the piezoelectric nanoparticles. Public areas in heavily
populated cities make great spots for the installation of these piezoelectric tiles. These areas may include crowded sidewalks,
busy subway stations, massive airports, or even high-energy dance clubs.
As the world makes an effort to turn green, many industries are finding clean, renewable sources of energy by installing
piezoelectric tiles. Airports, especially, have begun to implement these tiles in an attempt to lower their day-to-day operation
costs, increase efficiency, and set an overall good example for surrounding communities [Scholer 3]. Certain places within
an airport receive more foot traffic than others. In order to gain the most energy out of the piezoelectric tiles, it is important
to locate these high traffic areas. One particular area that is extremely high traffic is the check-in station where large lines of
passengers and baggage await to obtain boarding passes. Baggage weighing scales could also be used for piezoelectricity
while weighing passengers bags at the same time. Security lines provide another high traffic area where piezoelectric floor
tiles can be laid. Popular concession areas and gift shops would benefit as well from the tiles. Plus, engineers could use
really creative designs by placing piezoelectric tiles near light-up billboards to turn them on only when people walk by
[Scholer 8]. Thus, the airports energy is conserved.
In Japan, another innovative approach at capturing piezoelectricity has been implemented in the high population areas of a
subway station. From January 19 to March 7, 2008, The East Railway Company (JR East) established an experimental
demonstration in the Tokyo Station at Yaesu North Gate by installing a new power-generating floor within the subway
station [Chapa np]. The tiles were strategically placed at the ticket gate area in order to maximize the amount of vibration
received from passenger footsteps [Scholer 8]. For both the airport and subway systems, the piezoelectric tiles are very thin
and can be easily installed underneath previously flooring with very few complications. As the old flooring needs repaired or
replaced, the thin piezoelectric tiles can be installed gradually overtime reducing the initial installation cost. Next, harnessing
the power requires a capacitor to convert the DC power from the piezoelectric material into AC power that is required for
lighting and other devices within airports or subway stations [Scholer 7]. This method is but one way to install the use of
piezoelectric tiles.
Within dance clubs, many owners are powering their venue by installing piezoelectric tiles on the dance floor itself
[Trimarchi np]. The technology for these tiles varies from the use of the airport and subway tiles because they are much
thicker and require the use of springs. As the dancers jump up and down on the bouncy floor, they are compressing a series
of piezoelectric blocks underneath them, similar to how a BBQ lighter uses a spring-loaded hammer to strike a crystal hard
enough to ignite a spark in a grill. The pressure from the feet of the dancers creates an electric current that is fed into nearby
batteries which are continuously recharged by the constant movement of the dance floor [Scholer 5]. Another application is
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used at Club Watt of Rotterdam, The Netherlands. Club Watt sets itself apart from other clubs by utilizing a spring-loaded
flooring system of independently moving tiles combined with the use of a fly wheel. The energy from dancers feet provides
enough wattage to sustain LED lights embedded inside the floor. The rest of the energy is stored in a flywheel mechanism
which then powers a small electrical generator [Scholer 10]. All of these methods vary in there ways of energy storage and
use, but they all achieve the same goal by making their local systems self-sufficient on self-produced renewable energy.

ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMICAL ASSESSMENT

As on can see, piezoelectric technology is by no means a new discovery. As discussed in previous sections, many ideas,
experiments, and projects have been carried out in an attempt to create renewable energy that is environmentally friendly yet
economically feasible at the same time. A study of the installation of piezoelectric floor tiles within a new Student Union
building at the University of British Columbia yields in-depth results regarding the tiles green and economic capabilities. To
begin, Pavegen Systems is a company based in the UK, and they are currently the only company selling energy-harvesting
piezoelectric floor tiles [Cramm 6]. The top surface of their tiles is made up of one hundred percent recycled car tires.
Meanwhile, the frame is made from 80% recycled Aluminum compounds and alloys. The piezoelectric material itself is not
specified for the Pavegen tiles, but the materials usually consist of Lead Zirconate Titanate or quartz. This is because the
most common piezoelectric material is Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT), a material deemed toxic by the U.S. National Library
of Medicine. Thus, since there are no lead content warnings on the tiles quartz is likely the piezoelectric material used
[Cramm 8]. Because the Pavegan tiles are made out of almost all recyclable materials and presumably safe piezoelectric
materials, the impact on the environment from these tiles is a positive one. Upon disposal, the top surface can be turned into
playground surfacing, colored mulch, athletic tracks, commercial flooring, or tire fuel supplements. The aluminum frame can
easily be recycled at a typical recycling plant or sold for scrap metal. Finally, the piezoelectric material quartz can be
recycled using means similar to recycling glass [Cramm 9]. Therefore, the tiles are without a doubt renewable and
environmentally friendly. Now, are the tiles also economically feasible?
The immediate cost for the eight Pavegan slabs is $30,800 which requires a down payment of $15,800. This price does
not seem too costly at face value, but these numbers do not include the costs of shipping, installation, maintenance, and
insurance, and disposal fees. Also, the large size and heavy weight of the tiles may mean an increase in shipping fees. Plus,
Pavegan is located on the other side of the globe from the Student Union which increases the price of shipping further
[Cramm 13]. However, upon considering the amount of wattage created per hour, the varying amounts of activity within the
building during the week, and the length of a school year, it estimated that the University of British Columbia could save
about $37,608.48 over the tiles lifespan of five years [Cramm 15]. Although the initial cost of the tiles seems a bit pricey,
they prove to outweigh themselves in profit and efficiency in due to time. Plus, the profit generated from the first set of tiles
helps go towards replacing and maintaining new tiles in the future. Therefore, the analysis of Pavegan power-generating
piezoelectric tiles proves them to be both environmentally friendly due to their nearly one hundred percent recyclability and
economically feasible due to their ability to pay off the initial installation expenses within their five year lifespan.
Many club owners acclaim the tiles for helping their nightclubs become more self-sufficient. The owner of Club Watt
spent $275,000 for a 270 square foot floor. While he does not expect to recover his entire investment immediately through
energy generation, he does expect to benefit his club over time by recovering ten percent of his electrical expenditures
through the flooring system [Scholer 10]. This ten percent, over the lifetime of the tiles, will ultimately return the initial
investment in the tiles.

POTENTIAL DRAWBACKS

The piezoelectric technology is not without flaws. Some of these flaws include the fact that it does not produce a constant
flow of energy: every step produces a burst of energy, which means the technology cannot be hooked up directly to any
machinery [Wu 7]. The need for adaptors and a means for energy storage decrease the efficiency of the technology. This is,
however, a limitation that can be overcome through electrical engineering. As piezoelectric systems become more popular
and widely used, more electrical engineers will start working with it, which will lead to more efficient systems. More
research in the field of energy storage will also improve the effectiveness of piezoelectric applications.
Another flaw with piezoelectric technology is the inconsistency of the energy output on a macro scale. Floor tiles, for
example, can only produce energy while people walk on them. This limits their energy output to times where people will be
awake, and subjects their energy output to cycles where they produce a lot of energy during peak hours and not much
otherwise [Scholer 8]. Thus, the application of piezoelectric tiles is limited to a case by case scenario, and very little can be
said about their applications as a whole. The need for research prior to installing the tiles will drive up the initial cost to
implement them, and higher start-up costs will hinder the expansion of piezoelectricity. The way to overcome this is to use
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piezoelectricity to power areas where there is a large amount of people traffic during those traffic hours, and not consistently.
Piezoelectric floor tiles will not be able to power buildings or lights the entire time they need energy, but they can
significantly reduce the need for energy from other sources during peak energy usage hours.
The use of nanotechnology to create piezoelectric materials could also have negative consequences. Research in
nanotechnology has been solely focused on creating new applications for it, while very little has been researched about
possible side effects. Nanoparticles do not behave the same way larger clumps of the materials do, and many of them have
unknown properties. Silver as a whole is not toxic, yet silver nanoparticles have been shown to damage bacterias ability to
absorb nutrients from food it ingests [Lawrence np]. The reasons why silver nanoparticles damage bacteria are unknown
which is a significant cause for alarm. There have only been a little over a thousand articles published discussing the negative
side effects of nanoparticles and nanotechnology as a whole and future research could bring to light large implications with
its use [The good and the bad of nanotechnology np].
A different problem with nanoparticles is that they do not go away. The disposal of nanoparticles is very difficult because
of their size [The good and the bad of nanotechnology np]. They can soak into the soil, slip past organic and artificial
membranes, and turn up in many unexpected places. For example, some nanoparticles have been used in fertilizing plants.
However, these particles do not get harvested with the plants but instead soak up into the soil. In some cases they have been
found in water wells, streams, and even local wildlife. Piezoelectric technology could significantly increase the amount of
nanoparticles in existence and significantly contribute to the propagation of their negative side effects. A couple ways to curb
this negative impact are to carefully monitor the disposal of the nanoparticles used in the production of piezoelectric
materials and attempt to recycle these nanoparticles wherever possible. By containing and disposing of nanoparticles
carefully we can significantly reduce the amount of these tiny pieces of material that get lost or released in the environment
[The good and the bad of nanotechnology np]. Recycling them can also be very helpful because since they are very
difficult to dispose of, one simple solution is to not dispose of them. Simply reuse these particles in the production of more
piezoelectric materials. To successfully recycle the nanoparticles used in piezoelectric materials could greatly decrease the
cost associated with producing the tiles and reduce its negative impact on both the environment and budgets.
Because piezoelectric floors would need a variety of adaptors and means of energy storage to work effectively, large
amounts of work would need to be done to install them in existing buildings. The cost to remove old floors, install the wiring,
install the adaptors, create space for batteries, and the wiring required to connect these batteries to the existing power grid
will significantly bump up the overall cost to install these in existing buildings [Cramm 13]. Because of this, the use of
piezoelectric floor tiles will likely be restricted to new buildings or buildings under renovation. This is a problem because it
will postpone their use in many scenarios where piezoelectric tiles might be very beneficial. This high installation cost also
means that piezoelectric floors will be competing with all kinds of alternative and green energy solutions when being
considered, and some better established technologies such as solar panels or geothermal energy might be chosen in lieu of
piezoelectricity.
Finally, one of the most overlooked challenges that alternative energy as a whole face is the inefficiency of the current
lighting system. Incandescent light bulbs are incredibly inefficient when compared to LED and Fluorescent. Fluorescent and
incandescent bulbs both use a significantly larger amount of power than LED bulbs [Scholer 9]. They also dim after
thousands of hours of use, while LED bulbs do not. However, because the current lighting system relies of incandescent and
fluorescent lighting, the energy produced by piezoelectric materials will not fulfill its full potential unless it is installed in
new buildings. By installing LED lighting in buildings, we can reduce the power usage needed to keep the building
illuminated. Doing so would allow the power generated by piezoelectric floor tiles to accomplish more tasks within the
building and further increase their efficiency [Scholer 10]. Overall, the current buildings will not use the energy generated by
piezoelectric floor tiles efficiently because of existing inefficiencies in the buildings.

PARTING REMARKS

Without a doubt, piezoelectric technology consists of a vast amount of possible applications for renewable and green energy.
The technology is extremely versatile and can be applied to many surfaces in many different environments. A small scale use
of piezoelectricity can be utilized to capture the small vibrations such as noise and flowing water. Piezoelectricity can even
be used on a molecular scale to fuel the fission of water molecules to create hydrogen power [Berger np]. Also,
piezoelectricity can be harnessed on a large scale by utilizing the power of energy dissipation visible to the eye such as
walking, dancing at clubs, and crashing ocean waves. Although many apparent drawbacks may present themselves while
pursuing these innovative approaches, they should instead be seen as scientific and creative challenges that are obtainable and
necessary in order to create environmentally friendly energy. Piezoelectricity may not be able to mass produce energy in a
way that one power plant can power an entire city. A combination of innovative piezoelectric technology must be used all
over the world in order to create a significant amount of energy. Any area with high amounts of foot traffic or vibrational
energy can be transformed into a renewable energy source. Despite the skepticism of safety concerns with nanoparticles
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within piezoelectric materials, these hazardous materials can either be properly disposed or replaced by nanomaterial, such as
quartz in the Pavegan tiles, that is not toxic to the environment and can even be recycled. Humans are not entirely used to
relying on piezoelectricity, but they surely can adapt especially if it is benefiting the environment.
Piezoelectric tiles also have the potential to do much more than simply convert wasted energy into power. They can be
used to greatly increase awareness for the environmental movements occurring today. They act as daily reminders for people
to focus on not wasting energy by doing menial or habitual activities. If the public knows that massive airports and subways
are making efforts to help the environment today, they will be more motivated to participate or act in ways to conserve
nature. People might remember to take shorter showers to avoid wasting water, ride a bicycle instead of driving, use a
refillable water filter instead of buying plastic water bottles, or simply buy energy efficient fluorescent and LED light bulbs
instead of power lusting incandescent bulbs. Perhaps the main goal of innovative piezoelectric tile generators is not to
miraculously solve the worlds energy crisis in one stroke of innovation. The tiles most likely serve as a reminder and a step
forward that solving the energy crisis is in fact a possible feat if everyone has the same mentality that it is important to help
the environment before it is too late. With the new innovation of piezoelectric technology, it is in fact possible for the whole
world to take a step forward in the right direction to develop renewable and environmentally friendly energy.

REFERENCES

[1] (2007. July 21). Piezoelectric materials. [Online]. Available: http://www.piezomaterials.com/index.htm
[2] Scholer, C., Ikeler, J., Ramirez, J., & Jen, S. Piezoelectric Harvesting. San Jose State University. [Online]. Available:
http://emerald.ts.odu.edu/Apps/FAAUDCA.nsf/Second%20Place%20Environmental.pdf?OpenFileResource
[3] Berger, Michael. (2010, March 19). Nanotechnology recycles environmental energy waste into hydrogen fuel. nano werk. [Online]. Available:
http://www.nanowerk.com/spotlight/spotid=15398.php
[4] Amato, Ivan. (1989, Dec. 4). Piezo: Tough Plastic With a Sensitive Side. Science News Magazine. [Online]. Available:
http://articles.latimes.com/1989-12-04/local/me-112_1_ocean-power
[5] Wu, T., Yao, W., Wang, S., & Tsai, M. (2010, Aug. 18). Analysis of High Efficiency Piezoelectric Floor on Intelligent Buildings. IEEEXplore.
[Online]. Available: http://ieeexplore.ieee.org/stamp/stamp.jsp?arnumber=05602938
[6] Streeter, A. K. (2010, Feb. 22). Six Sidewalks That Work While You Walk. Treehugger. [Online]. Available: http://www.treehugger.com/clean-
technology/six-sidewalks-that-work-while-you-walk.html
[7] Chapa, Jorge. (2008, Dec. 11). Energy-Generating Floors to Power Tokyo Subways. Inhabitant. [Online]. Available: http://inhabitat.com/tokyo-
subway-stations-get-piezoelectric-floors/
[8] Trimarchi, Maria. (2008, Sept. 10). "Can house music solve the energy crisis?" HowStuffWorks.com. [Online]. Available:
http://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/green-science/house-music-energy-crisis.htm
[9] Cramm, J., El-Sherif, A., Lee, J., & Loughlin, J. (2011, Nov. 24). Investigating the feasibility of implementing Pavegan energy-harvesting piezoelectric
floor tiles in the new SUB. University of British Columbia. [Online]. Available: http://mynewsub.com/site/wp-
content/uploads/2010/08/APSC261_2A_NewSUBAtrium_PavegenSteps_Group021.pdf
[10] Lawrence, Robert Griggs. (2010, April 26). Nanotechnology Harmful to Environment and Our Bodies. Mother Earth News. [Online]. Available:
http://www.motherearthnews.com/natural-home-living/nanotechnology-harmful-to-the-environment-and-our-bodies.aspx
[11] (2009, Jan. 12). The good and bad of nanotechnology. Wiser Earth. [Online]. Available:
http://www.wiserearth.org/article/d27e5d280fc17217dd2f6a5b68aba9c8

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Cero, J., Thompson, M., & Hann, J. (1993). U.S. Patent No. 5,341,062. Washington, DC: U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Piezoelectric Effect. Hyperphysics. [Online]. Available: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/solids/piezo.html
(S. Shroff, personal communication, February 1, 2012)

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We would like to acknowledge the writing center for their caring and honest responses at Pitt. We would like to
acknowledge our engineering graduate student friend, Sameer Shroff, for guiding our research in the right direction. Also,
we acknowledge our professional engineering chairman, Jeff Cadman, for helping us get into the finer details of research on
piezoelectricity. And finally, we acknowledge our excellent high school English teachers for showing us how tocorrectly
research and write in order to prepare us for college writing today.


http://www.acespace.org/blog/2011/01/power-up-the-dance-floor/
http://technologytimes.pk/english-news.php?title=Piezo%20electric%20harvesting



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