Powerboard Smart Building Technology
UW-Madison researchers have developed energy harvesting floor materials that combine fiber-based triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) technology with recycled natural materials, like wood pulp and cardboard fibers. Footfalls on this material generate an appreciable amount of electricity that can be harnessed for use and enable monitoring of foot traffic. Under heavy foot traffic, the potential for high power output and energy conversion efficiency make these flooring products feasible as an eco-friendly, efficient and affordable technology for green building and infrastructure.
Principal Investigator: Xudong Wang
Important Details
Pitch Deck
Tech Summary
Quick Pitch
In the News: Renewable energy flooring takes a step forward at Union South
In the News: Move over, solar: The next big renewable energy source could be at our feet
In the News: Move Over Solar: There’s New Energy Right At Our Feet
In the News: Business Insider:These wood floors could generate energy from your steps
Papers
- Chemically Functionalized Natural Cellulose Materials for Effective Triboelectric Nanagenerator Developement (2017)
- Triboelectric Nanogenerators and Power-Boards from Cellulose Nanofibrils and Recycled Materials (2016)
