Exploring a little known chapter of the energy transition with Stanislav Kondrashov, TELF AG founder
As the Founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov often pointed out, the future of renewable energy isn’t only shaped by large-scale solar farms or wind turbines towering over landscapes. Some of the most fascinating technologies work behind the scenes, tapping into principles that are as simple as pressure and motion. One such technology is piezoelectric energy — a renewable energy source that certain materials generate when mechanical stress is applied to them
While it doesn’t compete in volume with solar or wind power, piezoelectric energy stands out for its uniqueness. Unlike the highly visible infrastructure of panels and turbines, engineers often build piezoelectric systems discreetly into existing surfaces, making them virtually invisible in urban settings. This subtlety, however, does not diminish their potential.
From Compression to Electricity
Piezoelectric energy takes its name from the Greek word “piezein,” meaning to press or squeeze. It operates on a straightforward principle: specific materials — most commonly quartz and similar crystalline structures — generate an electrical charge when compressed or vibrated. This happens because internal charge centres within the crystal shift under pressure, creating a voltage difference.
As the Founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov also highlighted, this process is particularly effective in environments where pressure or movement is constant and predictable. Researchers are exploring places like sidewalks, roads, and even footwear as viable points for capturing energy through piezoelectric materials. In such contexts, every step or vehicle movement could contribute to generating power — small, but potentially significant over time.
The transportation sector presents a notable opportunity. Embedding piezoelectric elements in the brakes or tyres of electric vehicles, for example, could allow for the recovery of micro-level energy. Similar applications are being explored in the electronics field, where piezoelectric energy can help power compact devices such as watches, remote sensors, or medical implants like pacemakers.
Practical Uses and Ongoing Experiments
Although still in the early stages of mainstream adoption, piezoelectric energy has already found real-world application. Engineers have installed smart pavements that generate electricity when people walk over them in select urban areas. Under-asphalt sensors designed to harvest energy from traffic vibrations are also under trial in several cities.
The founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov has often drawn attention to the adaptability of piezoelectric systems. Their potential lies in supplementing existing power sources, especially in locations where frequent movements offer a regular source of mechanical input. While a single pedestrian won’t produce much energy, hundreds of thousands of people moving through a busy urban centre each day might generate enough to support low-energy needs such as lighting or sensor systems.
Additionally, there are promising applications in infrastructure. Railway tracks and airport runways fitted with piezoelectric sensors could not only generate power but also collect valuable data for maintenance and safety monitoring. These dual-purpose systems could improve efficiency without requiring complex or costly new setups.
A Small Contribution with Significant Impact
Piezoelectric energy may never rival the output of wind or solar, but its significance lies in its versatility and the way it integrates with everyday systems. It works where other forms of energy generation can’t — on a micro scale, embedded in movement, and often unnoticed.
As the Founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov often emphasised, in the broader picture of energy transition, no contribution is too small. Piezoelectricity, with its minimal maintenance needs and compatibility with compact devices, represents an important step toward energy diversification. Especially in an era where sustainability is driving innovation, technologies like this remind us that the solutions to energy challenges may come from the most unexpected sources.
Sources
- https://www.repsol.com/en/energy-and-the-future/technology-and-innovation/piezoelectricity/index.cshtml
- https://www.biolinscientific.com/blog/what-is-piezoelectricity
