Design Life-Cycle

 Lessing M. Abigail, 

Professor Christina Cogdell

Design 040A 

June 6, 2024

The Materials for Pavegen Tile Flooring

Throughout the world, innovation has concurrently evolved with people’s understanding of the natural resources around us. With the increased knowledge of how materials work, we have been able to create new materials, machinery, products, and tools to improve our daily lives. Throughout millenia, we’ve been able to change our surroundings to benefit our wellbeing in ways where harsh natural environments can become tolerable through alterations. We went from hunting and gathering, to creating houses with flooring and artificial lighting. However, we have yet to develop a form of energy that is not only efficient, but acceptable in the home environment. In today’s world, the  majority of energy sources over large scale household use are fossil fuels. Despite their common use, they also lead to pollution and global warming at an alarming rate. The smog created by the burning of coal causes toxic fumes of sulfur and nitrogen dioxide to be released into the air, exposing people to toxins not meant to be inhaled. Other fossil fuels such as oil and natural gas release toxins such as carbon monoxide Although we have created sustainable energy sources such as solar, wind, geothermal, and hydroelectric, these sources have flaws that draw people away from their usage. Solar is expensive and takes a lot of resources to produce one panel, along with their hazard for birds, wind turbines are efficient only when there is ample wind and they are relatively loud which reduces their popularity in neighborhood environments, geothermal energy could potentially release carbon monoxide and is only applicable in locations with thermal hotspots close to the surface, and hydroelectric power has a limited range due to many populated urban areas a great distance away from a flowing water source. Although there are drawbacks to new sustainable energy sources, they are much better for the environment regarding air quality and limiting global warming. While discussing our project, we were wondering, what can we do to create a sustainable energy source, and if one already exists. Therefore, we discovered pavegen. A new technology for a sustainable energy source that uses kinetic energy. Throughout our research, although there are other forms of energy and sustainable innovations, pavegen not only allows for a new renewable energy source, but is relatively simplistic in its design compared to its material makeup. In this essay, we will discuss the raw material components of pavegen and each of their purposes contributing to the project as a whole describing why pavegen has the potential to become an eco-friendly, energy efficient source of energy for transport hubs. The material makeup of the pavegen tile is a complex system of multiple elements working together that not only contribute to the longevity of the product, but demonstrate how throughout the products life cycle– material acquisition, manufacturing, processing, transportation, recyclability, and environmental impacts regarding the waste created by this product– its innovative success heavily relies on the origin of the product: the raw materials. 

The life cycle; the process that not only living organisms go through, but products, machinery, and everything else throughout the world that has a “beginning” and “end”. In this case, our product has six stages of “life”. First, what is a lifecycle? A life cycle is the process in which a series of changes occur for a biotic or abiotic factor over time, eventually either becoming something new entirely, or contributing as a component to a larger construct. In regard to materials– raw or synthetic – the life cycle is the process from its acquisition,  use, waste, and back to the material being converted to a form in which it can be utilized again. With our project, we plan on discovering and describing pavegen’s life cycle, from the raw materials and the procedures they need to go through to be used within this product. 

Pavegen has two major mechanical components that allow the panel to collect energy, an electromagnetic generator and a composite tile. The composite tile material consists of nearly 80 percent recycled materials from other machinery, primarily as old tire shreds and rubber. The electromagnetic generator consists of copper coils, superconductive material, a solid electrolyte, magnets, gilded steel, and metallic alloys. Let's discuss how each of these materials is created and composed to create the technology.

The pavegen tile already starts its way by improving the efficiency and sustainability of the technology due to its use of recycled materials, reducing waste created by synthetic rubbers and carbon fiber. The composite tile of pavegen technology is made up of recycled car tires,  primarily composed of rubbers, carbon fibers, metal lining, and carbon black for color. Car tires are a versatile tile material that optimizes the kinetic force output from walking pressure. The ability of tires to have this elasticity is due to rubber, both synthetic and natural. Rubber  is a widely versatile material that has encompassed the latex industry not only today, but dating back to Mesoamerica, contributing to a multitude of innovations over time. Today, natural rubber is less common in the industry as synthetic rubbers have been created which have similar properties as natural rubber but have a more abundant, faster collection method. Initially, natural rubber was the primary material collected in use for its elastic, durable, flame resistant qualities. However, after World War II, the invention of a viable synthetic rubber became mainstream, contributing to new and more common uses of rubber than before according to Professor Christina Cogdell, a professor at the University of California Davis that specializes in Energy and Design. 

Throughout the world, natural rubber can be found through rubber trees, or made synthetically through a lab process of combining plastic properties and polymer latex to get the same effect and resilience as natural rubber according to the apple rubber company. Natural rubber that comes from the rubber trees – Hevea Brasiliensis – takes an average of 18 years to mature and produce the latex material that is known as natural rubber. Natural rubber is collected through a process called tapping. Tapping is a process typically used for sap and latex collection where the rubber from the trees is a form of liquid latex that is processed and converted into the rubber used in a variety of industrial resources such as an insulator to prevent conduction between two portions of a machine, or as  basic kitchen tools. The rubber is processed by adding ammonia at the time of collection to prevent the immediate solidification of the latex collected from the trees. Tapping has an incision to the bark of the rubber trees which then has either a bucket or spout that collects the latex from within the tree. To begin the processing of natural rubber, additional chemical additives are put into the rubber latex in order to prevent the latex from becoming brittle or sticky with high heat. Sulfur is a common additive for natural rubber. Sulfur is collected either through mining on the surface or within earth’s crust, or from other industries as a byproduct from a separate chemical extraction process. With sulfur collected from other industries as a byproduct, this further reduces the waste caused by industrial mining and chemical processes. The sulfur ensures that the rubber does not become brittle or break down when exposed to high temperatures. The process of processing natural rubber with high temperatures is referred to as vulcanization according to the apple rubber company. According to the apple rubber company website, vulcanization is the process in which rubber is set to endure high heat where it is essentially “cooked” to create extra bonds and cross links between the rubber molecules to increase the tensile strength of the rubber. After the rubber is cooked, the rubber will be left to dry and harden to a solidified form that is still durable and flexible to be used in other applications. The process of acquiring rubber through the natural or synthetic process requires the application of not only resource acquisition, but contributes to the processing and waste as well, although indirectly. Although natural rubber was primarily used before WWII, there were a few limitations to it when used around oil. Natural rubber has a tendency to absorb oil until it breaks down compositionally, causing difficulties with repair and use of rubber as a sealant in the presence or contingence of oil. However, the use of natural rubber has become less common than synthetic rubbers as synthetic rubber has a higher tolerance to oil contamination, therefore,  the process of synthetic rubbers is also a major raw material used in the production of the pavegen composite tile. 

With the collection and creation of synthetic rubber, discovered during World War II, the use of natural rubber had declined due to its limitations that do not pose as high a challenge with synthetic rubbers. The creation of synthetic rubber was in 1909 and they have been in use ever since with various applications. Synthetic rubbers are fundamentally different in their processing, however, the end products are comparatively the same with regards to their properties and tensile strength. According to the apple rubber company, the process of creating synthetic rubbers is by a chemical process of “...catalyzing monomers from cracked hydrocarbons”. They further mention how the catalyzation process causes the monomers to be polymerized into long chains. The materials butadiene and hexane are various synthetic polymers that are the primary petroleum based materials and solvents. These polymers are all raw materials collected through both crude oil production such as by fracking and drilling which use heavy industrial machinery that extract oil from the ground and process it to usable forms. The process of creating synthetic rubber itself  includes a multitude of various other elements that need ample time and heavy extraction equipment to isolate. Butadiene and hexane are both the primary polymers used with synthetic rubbers for rubber tires. Once these materials are acquired, they are boiled down to remove any excess water.  After they boil the materials, they essentially combine the liquid materials together and add a catalyst that causes the liquid to become polybutadiene. The creation of polybutadiene is what comprises synthetic rubber. After the creation of the rubber, the liquid is boiled and coagulated in order to be solidified and processed into a solid form for industrial use. The creation of this material used for the rubber tire that is used for the pavegen tiles contains the raw material acquisition, processing, recycling, and waste created through a life cycle of its own. After the synthetic rubber is complete, it can be used to create the main component of the composite tile, rubber tires. The process of creating and using synthetic or natural rubber not only has a process and fundamental change of its own characteristics, but contributes to the recycling of other waste materials, is biodegradable, and upholds itself as a sustainable, versatile resource.  

The components of pavegen, the rubber tire that is shredded also contains materials of steel, rubber, copper, and threading which is obtained through wool. The rubber is distributed to companies, particularly car companies that utilize the rubber to manufacture car tires. After the car tires are used and shredded once unusable for its intended purpose any longer, the tire is then melted down, and converted into the pavegen composite tile that is used for the kinetic force to be applied to. The transportation of rubber and other materials heavily depends on where they are sourced. If the material are sourced outside of the country, in which England is the case with the creation of pavegen, then the materials would likely travel through from stacking stations, to large cargo ships to be shipped to the required locations that take the raw materials to companies manufacturing sites to be distributed for the use of different products. The transportation process for metals starts on a large construction site machine, then transported to train stations or cargo ships to be boarded and used for different productions by companies. The distribution system for these materials is through company orders and the shipments after purchases of the materials through multiple organizations.

Not only does pavegen reuse car tires that are unable to be converted back into or continue to be used for their intended purpose, but they ultimately prevent waste by these materials as a whole. Therefore, increasing the sustainability of the pavegen technology as a reusable, long lasting source of energy and flooring. Shredded, unusable car tires in particular are the primary component of the pavegen composite tile, the portion in which a kinetic force will be applied. The process of creating a tire starts with the acquisition of materials such as steel, copper, the rubbers above, and carbon black. However, how are each of these resources extracted and acquired? We will first discuss how each component is naturally collected. 

With tires, they add crude oil and carbon fiber as the basis to the rubber mold which gives the color and structural integrity to the tire after the rubber is added. Synthetic rubbers are rubbers that are made through artificial elastomers and plastics. The production and use of synthetic rubbers as well as recycled rubber products itself.  

One major portion of the pavegen tile is heavy metal acquisition. The acquisition of metals such as steel, iron, copper, and other metals such as nickel and gadolinium are an essential part of the pavegen technology. To start, steel is a material created from iron. Iron is collected through multiple processes, either drilling, open face mining, or cliff mining. After mining iron ore, it is smelted in a furnace at high temperatures to isolate the iron from the rest of the rock. After smelting and isolating the iron, the iron is then heated to high temperatures once again, however, this time incorporated with high oxygen environments, leading to the formation of steel. Steel is a material that rusts very little and lasts much longer than iron in the aspect of flexibility and versatility.  Next, the acquisition of steel and copper are the main components. The acquisition process for copper has been dated back to 8000 B.C, where it was accidentally acquired through the process of utilizing malachite as a form of paint for clay pots in a furnace. Copper is extracted in an impure form on the surface due to oxidation according to professor Scott McCormack, a professor at UC Davis specializing in material science and engineering. There are multiple ways copper can be collected. One is through a chemical extraction process, other is through strip, drill, or open face mining. The ore is mined, then exposed to high temperatures to extract the pure copper from the ore. Another material, nickel, is collected and acquired through open pit methods and strip mining since nickel is relatively close to the earth’s surface and in high abundance. 

The next raw materials used in pavegen are magnetic materials such as nickel and gadolinium. Alloys are also used in cases of magnet use. Magnets are mined from ore or metals that have a strong positive or negative charge and magnetic field. The metals are turned into magnets by powder metallurgy, a vacuum sealed high electron charge or heat is added in order for the material to become magnetic. The materials steel, copper, and magnets are used to make the electromagnetic generator. 

The pavegen tile is then constructed with a composite tile and an electromagnetic generator. The tile is made from recycled tire material, while the electromagnetic generator is made from three small but powerful magnets, steel base, and copper wiring for electron transfer. A solid electrolyte made from  high salinity plastic may be used to benefit the transfer and reduce the issues with a liquid electrolyte. The pavegen tile uses and reuses multiple recycled materials. The pavegen tile is 80% recycled material and the electromagnetic generator materials can be reused and reactivated. The top can have rubber or tire material reinstalled after its 5-20 year lifespan and maintenance, while the magnet and metal encasing can be re-melted again to produce more of the same metal to be utilized for other productions or continue being used for the pavegen tile. The magnet can go back into the heated vacuum space in order to be recharged again with either a positive or negative charge. The pavegen tile’s lifespan as of now is 5 to 20 years without maintenance or with little maintenance, in which energy recharges and tile changes would  occur.

Pavegen raw materials are the very building blocks of the pavegen technology, and contribute heavily to the final product after they are processed and implemented into the product. The raw materials are not only a major part of the project, but are essential in the manufacturing, recycling, and waste. 

To summarize, The main raw material composition within pavegen are rubber, copper, steel, magnets, solid electrolyte, carbon black, and multiple other smaller materials. The manufacturing of the raw materials that make up pavegen include the processing of natural and synthetic rubber, heavy metals, and magnetic composition. Natural Rubber is manufactured and processed through a method called vulcanization, where sulfur is added to the rubber and heated to high temperatures to improve the tensile strength of the rubber. Synthetic rubber is made similarly, except with butadiene and hexane which coagulate with a catalyst after boiling and put into blocks for manufacturing. Steel is manufactured by heating iron up to high temperatures with added oxygen in a furnace. Magnets are manufactured by having heavy metal alloys that are magnetic such as nickel, iron, or other materials put in an airtight vacuum enclosure, exposed to high temperatures which change the charge of the ions for the metal used for the magnet. Copper is manufactured by separating it from its ore counterpart, malachite, through both a chemical and physical melting process that isolates copper from the ore. The manufacturing of these products goes through a warehouse where they are either formed through sheets, blocks, or in wires to be used for other machinery applications. 

The waste created by the raw material acquisition process is not minimal. The waste process after the collection of the materials is primarily due to open heavy mining operations from the iron, copper, nickel, and other heavy metal collections. The use of sulfur as well as natural crude oil in the production of synthetic rubber are two components that contribute to waste. However, the benefits of the technology outweigh the waste determinants on the environment since they have a long lifespan of 5-20 years before maintenance is needed or they need to be replaced. The pavegen technology also has the potential to reuse the metals and rubbers within the tile in other applications as well. Therefore, although the tile raw material acquisition process produces waste, the recycled materials used and processed provide a greater benefit than a detriment. 

The raw materials that comprise the pavegen components are the essential building blocks to the technology as a whole. Through their processes, acquisition of the materials, processing, transportation, recycle, and waste, although pavegen may create additional waste and byproducts due to production, the overall benefit of the long term process outweighs the negative impacts of the tile. The tile not only generates electricity, but the raw materials can be sourced from recycled and renewable resources as well. The innovative construction of the pavegen tile not only has the importance of its material makeup, but its energy production as well, to be explored further in the future. 

Bibliography

Admin. “How Is Natural Rubber Made?” Official Apple Rubber Blog, 22 May 2023, www.applerubber.com/blog/how-is-natural-rubber-made/. 

Admin. “How Is Synthetic Rubber Made?” Official Apple Rubber Blog, 19 June 2023, www.applerubber.com/blog/how-is-synthetic-rubber-made/. 

Admin. “What Materials Are Used in the Construction of a Furnace?” Kintek Solution, Kintek Solution, kindle-tech.com/faqs/what-materials-are-used-in-the-construction-of-a-furnace. Accessed 2 May 2024. 

Arnold. “Magnet Manufacturing Process: How Are Magnets Made.” Arnold Magnetic Technologies, 19 Feb. 2021, www.arnoldmagnetics.com/resources/magnet-manufacturing-process/. 

China, Shibang. “What Are Machines Used for Mining Iron Ore?” LinkedIn, 16 Feb. 2023, www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-machines-used-mining-iron-ore-shibang-china. 

Cui, J., et al. “Recycling of Waste from Polymer Materials: An Overview of the Recent Works.” Polymer Degradation and Stability, Elsevier, 4 Oct. 2013, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0141391013003133#:~:text=Chemical%20recycling%3A%20the%20polymer%20waste,polymers%20using%20suitable%20chemical%20solvents. 

“Electricity - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA).” Electricity Explained, EIA, 31 Oct. 2021, www.eia.gov/electricity/. 

“Electromagnetic Generator.” Energyfaculty.Com, energyfaculty.com/electromagnetic-generator/. Accessed 2 May 2024. 

ICBA. “How Is It Produced?” How Is Carbon Black Produced?, www.carbon-black.org/is-carbon-black-safe. Accessed 2 May 2024. 

Kemball-Cook, Laurence. “Every Step Generates a Powerful Connection.” Pavegen, Laurence Kemball-Cook, www.pavegen.com/. Accessed 2 May 2024. 

Ph.D.3, Chih Lin, et al. “Oil and Gas Drilling Bit Tribiology.” SpringerLink, Springer, Boston, MA, link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007/978-0-387-92897-5_794#:~:text=Oil%20and%20Gas%20Drilling%20Bit%20Tribology%2C%20Fig.,-5&text=Usually%2C%20a%20modern%20drill%20bit,as%20tungsten%20carbide%20or%20stellite. Accessed 2 May 2024. 

Sebok, E.B., and R.L. Taylor. “Black Carbon.” Black Carbon - an Overview | ScienceDirect Topics, 2013, www.sciencedirect.com/topics/chemistry/black-carbon.

Rafael

DES 40A
Professor Christina Cogdell
June 5, 2024

Pavegen Tile Flooring Technology for Energy 

Introduction:

As global energy consumption rises, the need for innovative and sustainable energy solutions becomes more critical. Pavegen tile technology emerges as a cutting-edge approach to kinetic energy harvesting, where the energy generated from footsteps is converted into electrical power. This paper delves into applying Pavegen tiles specifically in airport walkways, characterized by high footfall and thus ideal for harnessing kinetic energy. The central thesis of this paper posits that Pavegen tile flooring technology effectively transforms the kinetic energy generated by footsteps into usable electrical energy. This enhances energy efficiency and significantly reduces reliance on non-renewable energy sources throughout its lifecycle, from raw material acquisition to end-of-life recycling.

Importance and Benefits of Pavegen Tiles

Integrating renewable energy technologies like Pavegen tiles in modern infrastructure is essential for multiple reasons, particularly in reducing carbon footprints and energy costs. Pavegen tiles offer numerous benefits that align with the global shift towards sustainability:

Reduction in Carbon Footprint and Energy Costs

Pavegen tiles provide a means to convert kinetic energy into electricity, thereby decreasing the dependency on non-renewable energy sources. Airports, known for their substantial energy consumption, can greatly benefit from the energy savings that Pavegen tiles offer, ultimately leading to reduced operational costs and lower carbon emissions.

Promotion of Sustainability and Renewable Energy Usage

Pavegen tiles serve as a tangible demonstration of sustainable energy practices. Their installation in high-traffic public spaces like airports showcases the practical application of renewable energy technologies. It promotes sustainability by highlighting the importance of renewable energy sources to a broader audience.

Educational and Engagement Benefits

Airports equipped with Pavegen tiles can serve as educational platforms. Interactive displays that show real-time energy generation can engage travelers, raising awareness and educating the public about the benefits and importance of renewable energy. This can inspire individuals to support and adopt sustainable practices in their own lives.

Encouraging Eco-Friendly Behaviors

The visible presence of Pavegen tiles can encourage travelers and airport visitors to think about their environmental impact and the importance of sustainability. Knowing that their footsteps generate renewable energy can foster a sense of personal contribution to environmental conservation.

Transitioning to the materials used in Pavegen tiles, it is crucial to consider their environmental footprint and how they contribute to overall sustainability.

Environmental Impact and Materials Used

The environmental impact of Pavegen tiles begins with the materials used in their construction and extends throughout their entire lifecycle. A detailed analysis of these materials reveals their composition and associated environmental footprints:

Electromagnetic Generator Composition

The core technology of Pavegen tiles involves electromagnetic generators, which typically consist of copper coils, superconductors, and magnets. The magnets are often made from neodymium-boron-iron or samarium-cobalt. These materials are selected for their efficiency in converting kinetic energy into electrical power. However, the extraction and processing of these materials, scarce earth elements like neodymium, can have significant environmental impacts, including habitat destruction, water contamination, and high energy consumption during mining and refining processes.

Composite Tiles Composition

The tiles themselves are composed of a combination of natural and synthetic rubber. This includes butadiene and styrene-butadiene rubber, along with recycled rubber from tires. The use of recycled materials is a sustainable practice that helps reduce waste and promotes the circular economy. However, the production of synthetic rubber involves petrochemicals, which have their own environmental and health impacts, including air and water pollution from manufacturing processes.

Life Cycle Analysis (LCA)

Conducting a comprehensive life cycle analysis of Pavegen tiles involves assessing the environmental impacts at each stage: raw material extraction, manufacturing, transportation, usage, and disposal. This analysis helps identify areas where ecological impacts can be minimized. For instance, improvements in the efficiency of material use, recycling processes, and end-of-life disposal can significantly reduce the overall environmental footprint of Pavegen tiles.

Manufacturing and Assembly

The manufacturing process of Pavegen tiles involves the assembly of various components, which requires energy and resources. Efforts to source materials sustainably and use energy-efficient manufacturing processes can mitigate some of the environmental impacts associated with production. Additionally, ensuring that the manufacturing facilities adhere to environmental regulations and standards can further reduce their ecological footprint.

Economic viability is a crucial consideration for the widespread adoption of Pavegen tiles in airport walkways. The next section delves into the financial aspects of implementing this technology.

Economic Viability

Implementing Pavegen tiles in airport walkways involves an initial investment, but offers substantial long-term economic benefits. Here’s an analysis of the economic considerations:

Installation and Maintenance Costs

The upfront costs of installing Pavegen tiles can be significant due to the need for specialized materials and technology. However, as the technology advances and becomes more widely adopted, the costs are expected to decrease due to economies of scale and improvements in manufacturing processes. Maintenance costs are relatively low, involving periodic checks and replacement of worn-out tiles. The durable nature of the tiles ensures that maintenance requirements are minimal, contributing to cost savings over time.

Energy Savings and Return on Investment (ROI)

The energy generated by Pavegen tiles can offset a portion of the airport’s electricity consumption, leading to substantial savings on energy bills. Over time, these savings can surpass the initial installation costs, providing a positive return on investment. Airports, with their high foot traffic, are particularly well-suited for Pavegen technology, making the energy generation potential significant.

Case Studies of Successful Implementations

Various case studies demonstrate the successful implementation of Pavegen tiles in urban infrastructures. For instance, installations in schools, shopping centers, and public spaces have shown positive results in terms of energy generation and public engagement. These case studies can serve as models for airport installations, highlighting the practical benefits and financial viability of Pavegen technology.

Economic Incentives and Grants

Governments and environmental organizations often provide grants and incentives for projects that promote renewable energy and sustainability. Airports adopting Pavegen technology may qualify for such financial support, reducing the economic burden of initial investments and accelerating the adoption of this innovative technology.

While the economic benefits are promising, there are challenges and opportunities associated with the deployment of Pavegen tiles that need to be addressed.

Challenges and Opportunities

The deployment of Pavegen tiles in airport walkways presents both challenges and opportunities. Understanding these factors is crucial for successful implementation and broader adoption:

Technical Challenges

Ensuring the efficiency and durability of Pavegen tiles is a primary technical challenge. The tiles must withstand heavy foot traffic, resist wear and tear, and maintain high energy conversion efficiency over time. Additionally, integrating the tiles with existing airport infrastructure, including power systems and flooring materials, requires careful planning and engineering solutions.

Opportunities for Innovation

There are significant opportunities for innovation in improving Pavegen technology. Advances in materials science can enhance the durability and efficiency of the tiles. Innovations in energy storage and distribution systems can optimize the use of the generated electricity. Furthermore, integrating Pavegen tiles with other renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, can create hybrid systems that maximize energy generation and sustainability.

Increased Public Engagement and Awareness

Installing Pavegen tiles in high-visibility areas like airport walkways can significantly raise public awareness about renewable energy technologies. This can foster a culture of sustainability and encourage individuals and organizations to adopt eco-friendly practices. Interactive installations and educational displays can enhance public engagement, making sustainability a tangible and relatable concept for travelers.

Stakeholder Engagement and Policy Support

Engaging key stakeholders, including airport authorities, travelers, policymakers, and environmental organizations, is essential for the successful deployment of Pavegen tiles. Building partnerships with sustainability-focused organizations can provide additional support and resources. Policy support at local, national, and international levels can drive the adoption of renewable energy technologies, giving regulatory frameworks and incentives that facilitate implementation.

Public Perception and Acceptance

Public perception and acceptance play a crucial role in the success of new technologies. Transparent communication about the benefits, performance, and environmental impact of Pavegen tiles can build trust and support among travelers and stakeholders. Demonstrating the practical benefits, such as energy savings and environmental impact reduction, can enhance public acceptance and encourage broader adoption.

Summarizing the overall impact and potential future developments, the conclusion highlights the broader implications for sustainable infrastructure development and the role of Pavegen tiles in advancing renewable energy solutions.

Conclusion

Pavegen tile technology represents a promising solution for sustainable energy generation in airport walkways. By converting kinetic energy from footsteps into electrical power, these tiles enhance energy efficiency and reduce reliance on non-renewable energy sources. The comprehensive analysis of their lifecycle—from raw material acquisition to waste management—demonstrates their potential to contribute to more sustainable and eco-friendly infrastructure in transport hubs.

Pavegen tiles not only offer environmental benefits but also provide economic advantages through energy savings and positive return on investment. The successful case studies and innovation potential highlight the feasibility and benefits of this technology. However, addressing technical challenges, engaging stakeholders, and securing policy support are crucial for the widespread adoption of Pavegen tiles.

Future research and innovations can further optimize the performance of Pavegen tiles, making them more efficient, durable, and cost-effective. As airports and other high-footfall environments seek sustainable energy solutions, Pavegen tiles can play a pivotal role in reducing environmental impacts and promoting renewable energy.

The potential of Pavegen tiles to revolutionize energy generation in transport hubs underscores the importance of continuous investment in renewable energy technologies. By integrating Pavegen tiles into airport walkways, we can move towards a more sustainable future, where every step we take contributes to a greener and more energy-efficient world.

Bibliography

1. Brown, Andrew. "Pavegen Technology: A Promising Approach to Sustainable Energy Generation." Journal of Sustainable Development 12.1 (2022): 33-46. 

1. Garcia, Maria. "Sustainability Assessment of Pavegen Tile Integration in Smart Cities." Journal of Smart Cities and Urban Sustainability 5.2 (2020): 102-115. 

1. Johnson, Claire. "Innovations in Energy Harvesting: The Role of Pavegen Tiles in Urban Sustainability." Energy Innovations Journal 7.4 (2018): 88-102. 

1. Jones, Mark. "Harnessing Kinetic Energy for Sustainable Power: A Review of Pavegen Technology." Journal of Sustainable Energy 15.2 (2020): 45-62. 

1. Kumar, Rajesh. "Integration of Pavegen Tiles in Urban Infrastructure: A Case Study of Energy Efficiency." Urban Studies 25.2 (2023): 67-78. 

1. Lee, Hannah. "Optimizing the Performance of Pavegen Tiles through Advanced Material Science." Materials Science and Engineering: Sustainable Technologies 6.1 (2024): 24-38. 

1. Patel, Sanjay. "Analyzing the Economic Viability of Pavegen Tiles for Sustainable Infrastructure Projects." Sustainable Infrastructure Journal 9.4 (2023): 123-137. 

1. Smith, Emily R. "Exploring the Potential of Pavegen Tiles in Sustainable Urban Infrastructure." Renewable Energy Perspectives 8.3 (2019): 117-132. 

1. Taylor, David. "Feasibility Study of Pavegen Tiles for Energy Harvesting in Transportation Hubs." Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment 28 (2019): 77-89. 

1. White, Michael. "Challenges and Opportunities in Implementing Pavegen Tiles for Sustainable Energy Production." Environmental Engineering Journal 18.3 (2021): 55-69.  

Jindu Li

Design 040A

Professor Christina Cogdell

June 5, 2024

The Pavegen tile wastes

Pavegen flooring tile was first created in 2009, which was made from recycled polymer, with the top surface made from recycled truck tires. Using the electromagnetic induction by copper coils and magnets to convert kinetic energy from footsteps into electricity. Another technology strength is to track volume and direction of traffic flow, then providing useful data. Pavegen flooring tile works on the environmental and recycling field, so the raw materials, energy and the wastes are all the important issues in its life cycle. As a product focused on recycling and environmental sustainability, Pavegen works on comprehensive sustainability strategies to reduce its environmental and pollution impact. It uses a large number of recycled materials as the raw material. Although the battery, as its primary component, generates very little waste during the use, transportation and maintenance, its manufacturing and recycling stages still generate significant environmental hazards.

Raw Materials:

Due to the delicate design and its micro components. Pavegen tile uses many different and potentially harmful raw materials like heavy metal. leading to the air, water and soil pollution, which causes ecological damage and human health risks. Rubber is the main component of Pavegen tile, which constitutes the tile part in Pavegen. Most rubber is recycled from used truck tires, but the process of recycling and reuse would also generate a lot of wastes and pollution. The production of rubber, especially synthetic rubber, involves the use of chemicals. During manufacturing, volatile organic compounds and other hazardous air pollutants are released, contributing to smog and respiratory issues. Moreover, the processing of natural and synthetic rubber generates significant greenhouse gas emissions, particularly carbon dioxide and methane, causing the air emissions. Rubber production could also lead to the discharge of wastewater containing harmful chemicals such as sulfur compounds and organic pollutants into nearby water bodies. which would harm the animals there and pollute drinking water sources. Beside the processing of rubber, the raw material of the electricity system contains many kinds of heavy metals and chemicals. The runoff containing those chemical wastes can pollute water bodies, leading to the destruction of the whole ecosystem. These can also leave residues in the soil, impacting soil health and biodiversity. Improper disposal of rubber and metal waste during raw material processing can lead to soil contamination with persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and heavy metals. The extraction of rare earth metals involves significant earth-moving operations and the use of explosives, leading to the release of dust and particulate matter into the air.

Manufacturing, Processing, and Formulation:

The manufacturing process contains component producing and assembling. Both of these two steps would cause the inevitable pollution. When converting raw materials into Pavegen tiles, industrial emissions are a serious issue. The base layer of the tile is built from rubber and recycled polymers, mixed into shape. This layer provides durability and flexibility. After that, rare earth metals are used to create magnet components, which are responsible for generating electricity when pressure is applied to the tiles. The manufacturing processes would produce various pollutants, including volatile organic compounds, particulate matter, and other greenhouse gas. Wastewater is the other main pollution. The washing and cleaning steps generate wastewater containing chemicals from cleaning detergent, and other residues. The use of rare earth metals in electrical elements can lead to wastewater containing trace amounts of heavy metals, which is harmful before the treatment. The manufacturing process generates solid waste in the form of scrap rubber and defective products. But on the other hand, there are still some solutions. For air pollution, implementing advanced filtration and ventilation systems can reduce the release of volatile organic compounds and particulate matter. Improving energy efficiency can also reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Wastewater treatment is another required process. Installing efficient wastewater treatment systems can ensure that chemical contaminants and heavy metals are removed before water is released into the environment. Recycling scrap materials and defective products within the manufacturing process.

 Distribution and transportation:

Pavegen tile is not a massive size product, so the main pollutants during transportation are fossil fuel pollution and packaging waste. Transporting raw materials from suppliers to the manufacturing site typically relies on trucks, ships, and trains powered by fossil fuels. Once manufactured, the Pavegen tiles are distributed to various markets and installation sites, which also involve the same transportation. This process generates carbon dioxide, contributing to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. According to the Pavegen website, the packaging includes protective materials such as plastic wraps, foam padding, and cardboard boxes. These materials are essential to prevent damage during transit but result in significant packaging waste. The improper disposal of packaging materials can lead to environmental pollution. Non-recyclable plastics and foam could exist in landfills for long periods, contributing to soil and water contamination. For these potential harms, emission reduction and sustainable packaging are two possible solutions. Combining shipments to maximize vehicle capacity and reduce the number of trips required. Companies can also explore partnerships with providers that prioritize green transportation solutions such as electric vehicles. Using recyclable packaging materials can reduce environmental impact. Innovations in packaging, such as using recycled cardboard, and paper packaging alternatives can help decrease the wastes. The company could also set a program where customers can return used packaging for recycling and ensure that materials are properly disposed of and recycled.

Use/re-use/maintenance:

The installation process is very simple, and it is completed manually, so there is little or no pollution. But maintenance, and any reuse strategies could extend their lifespan. Additional materials used during installation, such as sealants, and any assistive equipment, can also contribute to waste. Efficient use of these materials and proper disposal practices can narrow their environmental influence. Regular cleaning of Pavegen tiles is necessary to ensure their performance and service life. This can involve the use of water and cleaning detergent, which may contain chemicals. The environmental impact of these substances depends on their composition and the methods of disposal used. Eco-friendly cleaning detergent can largely reduce negative effects. The maintenance activities include inspections, repairs, and replacing the new tiles. These processes can require additional materials, such as replacement components, which need to be managed sustainably. Ensuring that these materials are environment-friendly and recyclable to minimize their impact. During the use, the electricity generated by Pavegen tiles can be used to power local infrastructure, such as streetlights, reducing the demand on traditional energy and reducing the overall emissions.

Recycle:

Recycling is an important phase in the life cycle of Pavegen flooring tiles, which determines how the materials used in the tiles are used at the end of their useful life. The recycling process is beneficial for resource recovery, but also presents several pollution challenges. During the recycling of Pavegen tiles, the materials must be broken down and processed for reuse. This process often involves heating and chemical treatments that can release volatile organic compounds and greenhouse gas into the atmosphere. volatile organic compounds contribute to air pollution and smog formation, while greenhouse gas, such as carbon dioxide and methane, contribute to climate change. The recycling process may generate wastewater containing chemicals, heavy metals, and other pollutions. This wastewater could pollute local water bodies, and potentially enter the human water supply. The most efficient way is designing Pavegen tiles with recycling, which can help produce easier and more efficient recycling processes. Selecting materials that are more recyclable and avoiding materials that generate significant pollution during recycling can improve the overall sustainability of the product.

Waste management:

Waste management is the final stage in the life cycle of Pavegen flooring tiles and involves the processing of tiles that are no longer usable or recyclable. The wastes made at this stage significantly impact environmental pollution and sustainability. When Pavegen tiles are disposed of in landfills, the organic materials within the tiles can decompose, producing methane (CH4) as a byproduct. Methane is a worse greenhouse gas, with a global warming potential much higher than carbon dioxide. The release of methane from landfills contributes to climate change. Landfills can generate leachate, a liquid that forms when rainwater percolates through waste materials, dissolving chemicals and other contaminants. If Pavegen tiles are not segregated before the recycling, the harmful materials can leach out and pollute the surrounding soil and groundwater. Leachate could carry harmful substances, including heavy metals, chemicals, and organic pollutants, posing risks to both environmental and human health. The waste Pavegen tiles in landfills increases the demand for landfill space. As urban areas expand and landfill sites become smaller, finding suitable locations for waste becomes more challenging. This can lead to environmental degradation, as natural habitats are disrupted to create new landfill sites. Contributing to the overall volume of waste in landfills, aggravating the problem of limited landfill capacity. Improving the recycling programs for Pavegen tiles could reduce the number of tiles that are thrown in the landfills. Educating Pavegen clients and businesses about the importance of recycling and providing convenient recycling options can increase the recycling rate. Designing Pavegen tiles with materials that are easier to recycle or biodegrade can reduce the environmental impact at the end of their life cycle. Using sustainable, eco-friendly materials can minimize the risk of leachate contamination and reduce landfill emissions. These strategies could contribute to a more sustainable life cycle, reducing waste and environmental contamination while promoting resource recovery and recycling.

  Throughout its life-cycle, Pavegen flooring tiles have various environmental impacts. While the use phase offers positive environmental contributions through renewable energy generation, other stages such as recycling and waste management still show challenges. Addressing these pollution sources through improved manufacturing processes, efficient recycling methods, and sustainable practices is necessary steps for reducing the environmental influence of Pavegen tiles. Innovation in the field of sustainable technology ensures that these advancements do not sacrifice environmental health, showing the way for a truly sustainable future.

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