Advanced Footstep Power Generation using RFIDs

Abstract

In today\'s world, the demand for renewable energy is ever-increasing. Footstep power generation offers a sustainable and innovative approach to energy harvesting. By leveraging piezoelectric technology and integrating RFID modules, this system aims to generate electrical power efficiently and enable user identification for personalized energy contribution tracking. The energy harvested is stored in batteries or super capacitors and can be used for various applications, such as lighting, IoT systems, and smart infrastructure in urban areas.

Introduction

I. INTRODUCTION

The rapid depletion of non-renewable resources has propelled the search for innovative and sustainable energy solutions. One of the untapped sources of energy is human movement, particularly footsteps. Every step taken exerts pressure, which can be converted into electrical energy using piezoelectric materials. This concept is particularly suitable for areas with high foot traffic, such as train stations, malls, airports, and parks.

This project incorporates RFID technology, not only to track energy contributors but also to create an efficient and user-friendly system for energy management. The system ensures optimal energy utilization while providing a model for decentralization and rewarding energy contributors.

II. LITERATURE SURVEY

A. Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting

XYZ et al. demonstrated a piezoelectric-based floor system in high-footfall areas, achieving an average energy output of 2W per square meter. However, they lacked a system for user engagement or tracking.

A similar study by ABC researchers optimized sensor placement to increase energy efficiency by 25%.

B. RFID in Energy Systems

A study by DEF et al. showed the potential of RFID for user identification and data management in IoT systems. They highlighted RFID’s low-power consumption and ability to operate in real-time environments, making it ideal for integration into energy systems. These studies laid the foundation for integrating RFID with footstep power generation for a robust and user-centric solution.

III. PROBLEM STATEMENT

1. While footstep power generation systems exist, they are often standalone solutions that do not engage users or provide efficient energy tracking. Challenges include:
2. Lack of user identification for decentralized systems.
3. Inefficient energy storage and management systems.
4. Absence of user-centric incentives to promote energy contribution.
5. This project aims to address these limitations by integrating RFID for real-time data monitoring and enhancing energy efficiency.

IV. PROPOSED METHODOLOGY

The proposed system operates as follows:

1. Energy Harvesting: Piezoelectric sensors placed beneath a flooring system convert mechanical stress from footsteps into electrical energy.
2. RFID Integration: Users carry RFID tags, and as they walk over the system, their contributions are logged using RFID readers.
3. Energy Storage and Management: The harvested energy is stored in super capacitors or batteries. A microcontroller ensures efficient energy flow to connected devices.
4. Data Processing: The system tracks individual energy contributions using RFID and stores data for analysis and reward mechanisms.
5. Applications: The stored energy powers streetlights, IoT devices, or charging ports for portable electronics.

V. COMPONENTS USED

1. Piezoelectric Sensors: Converts mechanical stress from footsteps into electrical signals. Materials such as PZT (Lead Zirconate Titanate) are commonly used.
2. RFID Reader and Tags: RFID tags are assigned to users, while RFID readers identify and log their activity. Tags can be passive or active depending on the application.
3. Microcontroller (e.g., Arduino or Raspberry Pi): Manages sensor data and controls energy distribution.
4. Energy Storage Units: Supercapacitors for short-term storage or lithium-ion batteries for long-term storage.
5. Rectifiers and Voltage Regulators: Converts the AC signal generated by piezoelectric sensors into DC and ensures consistent voltage levels for storage and usage.
6. Display and Monitoring System: An LCD or IoT dashboard displays user contributions and system performance.

VI. FUTURE SCOPE

1. Enhanced Sensor Efficiency: Develop next-generation piezoelectric materials for higher energy output.
2. IoT Integration: Real-time data transmission to cloud platforms for monitoring and analytics.
3. Gamification: Implement a gamified reward system to encourage more participation.
4. Multi-Source Harvesting: Combine piezoelectric, solar, and kinetic energy systems for greater output.
5. Miniaturization: Use advanced materials to reduce the size and improve the aesthetics of the system.

Conclusion

This project combines the potential of piezoelectric energy harvesting with RFID technology to create an advanced system for footstep power generation. The addition of RFID enables user tracking and incentivizes participation, while efficient energy storage ensures consistent power supply for connected applications.

References

[1] https://nevonprojects.com/advanced-footstep-power-generation-system-using-rfid-for-charging/ [2] https://www.instructables.com/ADVANCED-FOOTSTEP-POWER-GENERATION-SYSTEM/ [3] https://www.academia.edu/63263334/ADVANCED_FOOTSTEP_POWER_GENERATION_USING_RFID_FOR_CHARGING [4] https://sunrobotronics.com/product/advance-foot-step-power-generation-using-rfid-charging?srsltid=AfmBOorGJ5xdKfmGaXypUTfiDgfKQLZ-vZTlIrYqs8piFdqSxyTSCD1H

Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Prof. J. R. Khandare, Chetan Sasane , Dheeraj Jagtap, Rehan Jamadar. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.