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POWERleap

The Energy		PIEZOELECTRICS

		The piezo-electric effect was originally found in natural crystals such as quartz, topaz, and Rochelle salt by the Curie brothers in the 1880's. When compressed a voltage is dispersed across the surface of the material. Today ceramic compounds such as lead zirconate titrate and barium titrate commonly exhibit optimal electro-mechanical results.

Design of the electronic-circuit elements
		1. The voltage-inducing piezoelectric ceramic plates inside each glass tile generates electricity when compressed and expanded. They are each mounted to the concrete base, and wired to the lights with highly conductive wire.
		2. As the mechanical force of a footstep is applied, a glass node attached to the inner plane of the glass tile compresses the plate 1/16th inch and induces the voltage at a peak rating of 32Volts/step and 5.2 Watts/step.
		3. Finally, the voltage is released to light a series of 8 green LED’s inside each glass tile. The light flashes at the moments of stimulation and release. The pedestrian is able to immediatly experience the energy in thier movement, and understand the potential of harnessing it to generate electricity!
	cross sections each 12" x 12"