Which term describes layers that convert vehicle pressure and vibration into electrical energy?

Which term describes layers that convert vehicle pressure and vibration into electrical energy?

• A. Self healing asphalt
• B. Solar roadways
• C. DSRC
• D. Piezoelectric materials

Answer: (D)

Piezoelectric materials rely on the piezoelectric effect: when mechanical pressure or vibration deforms certain crystals or ceramics, they generate an electric charge. In road or pavement layers, the weight of vehicles and the vibrations from traffic compress these materials, producing electrical energy that can be harvested. This makes it the best fit for describing layers that turn vehicle pressure into electricity, especially for powering small devices or sensors embedded in the road. By contrast, self-healing asphalt is about repairing cracks to extend pavement life, not generating power. Solar roadways aim to convert sunlight into electricity, not mechanical energy. DSRC is a wireless communication technology for vehicle-to-vehicle or vehicle-to-infrastructure signaling, with no energy harvesting involved.

Piezoelectric materials rely on the piezoelectric effect: when mechanical pressure or vibration deforms certain crystals or ceramics, they generate an electric charge. In road or pavement layers, the weight of vehicles and the vibrations from traffic compress these materials, producing electrical energy that can be harvested. This makes it the best fit for describing layers that turn vehicle pressure into electricity, especially for powering small devices or sensors embedded in the road.

By contrast, self-healing asphalt is about repairing cracks to extend pavement life, not generating power. Solar roadways aim to convert sunlight into electricity, not mechanical energy. DSRC is a wireless communication technology for vehicle-to-vehicle or vehicle-to-infrastructure signaling, with no energy harvesting involved.