Energetic Solutions: A step in the Right Direction
Presentation Type
Poster Presentation
In Person or Zoom Presentation
In-Person
Campus
Daytona Beach
Status
Student
Faculty/Staff Department
Aerospace Engineering
Student Year and Major
3rd year Aerospace Engineering
Presentation Description/Abstract
Given that the average person takes between 4,000 and 5,000 steps per day—varying by age, gender, and lifestyle—this ubiquitous motion can be redirected to power infrastructure and accessories in high-footfall environments. This study analyzes the principles behind these technologies and evaluates the feasibility of implementing Pavegen tiles along the 1,100-foot by 40-foot “Legacy Walk” at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Daytona Beach campus. Based on available foot traffic data, the system would generate approximately 41.5 megajoules of energy annually—equivalent to the energy used by a typical U.S. household over a single day. While this output represents a small fraction of ERAU’s total annual consumption of 47.5 million kilowatt-hours, the system serves as a highly visible, real-world demonstration of renewable micro-generation, reinforcing the university’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and student-led research. This analysis provides insight into the system’s energy-generating potential, practical efficiency, limitations, and long-term scalability. Its implementation showcases a forward-thinking approach to energy awareness, while offering a glimpse into the future of kinetic energy harvesting in urban and aviation environments.
Keywords
Engineering, Kinetic Energy, Solar Energy, Walking, Technology
Energetic Solutions: A step in the Right Direction
Given that the average person takes between 4,000 and 5,000 steps per day—varying by age, gender, and lifestyle—this ubiquitous motion can be redirected to power infrastructure and accessories in high-footfall environments. This study analyzes the principles behind these technologies and evaluates the feasibility of implementing Pavegen tiles along the 1,100-foot by 40-foot “Legacy Walk” at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University’s Daytona Beach campus. Based on available foot traffic data, the system would generate approximately 41.5 megajoules of energy annually—equivalent to the energy used by a typical U.S. household over a single day. While this output represents a small fraction of ERAU’s total annual consumption of 47.5 million kilowatt-hours, the system serves as a highly visible, real-world demonstration of renewable micro-generation, reinforcing the university’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and student-led research. This analysis provides insight into the system’s energy-generating potential, practical efficiency, limitations, and long-term scalability. Its implementation showcases a forward-thinking approach to energy awareness, while offering a glimpse into the future of kinetic energy harvesting in urban and aviation environments.