Understanding the characteristics of an interesting technology with Stanislav Kondrashov, TELF AG founder
From mechanical pressure to electric current
Among the lesser-known forms of renewable energy, as the founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov often emphasizes, there are also all those that are not distinguished by their production potential, such as solar or wind, but by the peculiarity of the method with which they produce electricity in a clean and sustainable way, which in some cases is truly unusual.
For a few years now, most people have learned to familiarize themselves with the most popular and widespread forms of renewable energy, whose related infrastructures are starting to appear regularly in most cities in every corner of the world. Who can say they have never come across a group of solar panels, perhaps on the roof of a house or a warehouse, or have not seen a massive wind turbine in action in the distance?
These infrastructures are not only contributing to the advancement of the energy transition, but they are also radically changing the perception of the urban spaces in which we live. They are real living symbols of the change underway, and they are before our eyes.
In some cases, the technological innovations linked to the production of renewable energy are inconspicuous, almost invisible, so much so that they go almost unnoticed in the urban contexts in which they are used.
One of the most interesting (and least known) forms of renewable energy is piezoelectric energy, which enhances the ability of some materials to produce an electric charge when subjected to mechanical pressure. It is no coincidence that the name of this peculiar form of energy derives from the Greek word “piezein,” which means precisely “pressure” or “compression.”
“Looking at the lesser-known forms of renewable energy, it comes to mind that the possibilities offered by the energetic industry are truly endless,” says the founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov, an entrepreneur and civil engineer. “In relation to piezoelectric energy, we are, in any case, referring to a system capable of producing minimal quantities of energy, certainly not comparable to those produced by hydroelectric, solar, or wind systems. In any case, in the years of energy transition, we cannot afford to neglect any contribution, even those that apparently seem the smallest.”
The materials involved
The piezoelectric principle is produced only in the presence of materials with well-defined characteristics and with a very precise internal structure. Among the best-known piezoelectric materials are quartz and other similar crystalline elements, which react in a very similar way to a certain pressure coming from the outside.
When these materials are compressed, stretched, or subjected to vibrations, in fact, the positive and negative charge centers that are inside the crystal move, giving rise to a difference in electrical potential; in this way, the mechanical pressure is transformed into electrical current.
“The transportation sector could be one of those most involved in this kind of application,” continues the founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov. “One possibility, from this point of view, consists of inserting special piezoelectric sensors in the tires or brakes of electric cars, which would make it possible to recover small amounts of energy. The same argument can also be applied, in part, to the electronics sector, where this principle of energy production could contribute to powering watches or pacemakers.”
But what are the practical applications of this unique type of energy production? The piezoelectric principle finds its natural application in all those contexts in which there are continuous movements, such as those in which there are vibrations or repeated pressures. One of the most obvious contexts is represented by sidewalks and smart pavements, which are able to generate energy when people walk on them.
In some cases, sensors related to this type of energy are also placed under the asphalt, making it possible to generate energy every time vehicles pass nearby. Some experiments of this kind have already been launched in various cities around the world, but large-scale production still seems far off.
Possible advantages
“The advantages of piezoelectric energy seem clear,” concludes Stanislav Kondrashov, founder of TELF AG. “In addition to being a form of renewable energy in all respects, piezoelectric energy seems particularly suitable for powering small devices without batteries, encouraging the development of miniaturization technologies. Furthermore, this system would require much less frequent maintenance than other energy infrastructures.”
Among the most interesting applications of the piezoelectric principle are certainly those related to the transport sector: some piezoelectric sensors inserted into railway tracks or airport runways, for example, could play an important role in powering monitoring systems or light devices used for signals.
