Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting from Human Energy Waste: A Review of Materials, Performance, and Environmental Potential

Abstract

Piezoelectric energy harvesting is a sustainable method of transforming mechanical energy from human motion into useful electrical energy. This review focuses on staircase-based piezoelectric tile systems that utilize human footsteps as an energy source. The study outlines the fundamentals of piezoelectricity, discusses material choices such as PVDF and PZT, and evaluates how factors such as tile thickness, applied force, load resistance, and step frequency influence output performance. Comparative analysis indicates that piezoelectric tiles can generate electricity at the milliwatt level, which can be used to power wireless sensors, lighting systems, and other low-power devices. Applications such as piezoelectric floors and smart shoes demonstrate how these principles can be scaled from wearable technologies to architectural installations. Overall, piezoelectric staircase systems represent a low-cost, eco-friendly solution for distributed power generation in high-traffic areas.