Piezoelectric Polymers for Energy Harvesting in Transport Infrastructure by Graph‐Based Network Analysis
ABSTRACT This study investigates the integration of piezoelectric polymer technology into the transport infrastructure of the National University of Science and Technology Politehnica Bucharest campus. The research combines graph‐theoretical modeling with the implementation of piezoelectric polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) materials embedded within pavement structures to harvest mechanical energy generated by pedestrian and vehicular traffic. Two network scenarios are analyzed: (A) restricted access between Aula Magna and the Central Library and (B) unrestricted access. Connectivity indices (α, β, γ), generalized nodality, and nodal accessibility are used to identify critical nodes and segments with the highest traffic intensity. These locations represent optimal sites for integrating PVDF‐based piezoelectric modules capable of converting mechanical stress into electrical energy. The results demonstrate that network topology significantly influences the spatial distribution of potential energy harvesting sites, highlighting the role of smart polymer‐based materials in developing sustainable and energy‐efficient transport infrastructures.
Authors
- Augustin Semenescu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6864-3297)
- Ionuț-Cosmin CHIVA (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4283-0531)
- Constantin Gheorghe Opran
- Remus‐Andrei Dobrinoiu (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0001-5968-1424)
Institutions
- Academia Oamenilor de Știință din România (RO)
- Universitatea Națională de Știință și Tehnologie Politehnica București (RO)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Macromolecular Symposia
- Published
- 2026-05-11
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1002/masy.70375
- Primary Topic
- Innovative Energy Harvesting Technologies
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00