TERRA-VOLT

The transition to renewable energy sources requires innovation that can directly integrate green technology into urban environments. This study introduces TERRA-VOLT, a hybrid green energy generation system that combines Plant-based Microbial Fuel Cell (P-MFC) technology and piezoelectric systems to produce electricity sustainably. This innovation utilizes two energy sources: kinetic energy from human movement and bio-electrochemical energy generated through the interaction between microorganisms and plant roots. The main issues addressed include dependence on fossil fuels, limitations in integrating renewable energy into public infrastructure, and the wastage of mechanical energy in high-traffic areas such as stairs and pedestrian walkways. Accordingly, the objectives of this study are to design an integrated hybrid system, evaluate the efficiency of converting mechanical and bio-electrochemical energy into electrical energy, and assess its potential applications in the context of sustainable cities. The system mechanism involves converting footstep pressure into electrical current through a piezoelectric layer, while the P-MFC generates electrons through the metabolic activity of microorganisms in the rhizosphere zone, which are then channeled into an external circuit. Preliminary results show that the hybrid integration improves energy output stability compared to single systems and is suitable for low-power applications such as LED lighting. In conclusion, TERRA-VOLT has the potential to serve as a micro-scale distributed energy model that supports SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) through the development of smart urban infrastructure that continuously generates clean and environmentally friendly energy.