Theoretical and experimental investigation of electricity generation through footstep tiles

Abstract The current study aims to utilize population expansion by introducing a specially designed footsteps tiles mechanism capable of converting kinetic energy from footsteps into electricity. A rack and pinion mechanism was implemented due to its straightforward installation process and relatively high-power generation. However, addressing user comfort was crucial, as the mechanism caused significant deflections. As a result, a footstep tile mechanism was devised, manufactured, and thoroughly examined through both experimental and simulation methods. The CAD design of the mechanism was developed in SOLIDWORKS, dynamic models were created, and the system characteristics were analyzed using the simulation tool SIMULINK MATLAB ® . Based on the optimal design obtained through dynamic simulations, the mechanism was fabricated, tested, and analyzed. The testing phase demonstrated an average of 9 V generated per footstep, yielding an estimated mechanical output power of 8.5 W per footstep, with a mechanical-to-electrical conversion efficiency of 15.6 %. The proposed setup presents a promising roadmap for large-scale electricity generation in densely populated areas such as institutes, hospitals, railway stations, and similar locations.