KINETIC TILES

The Path to Success

One of the most important aspects of our concept here at Gridiron Green Gang, includes the installation of Kinetic tiles under Sabine field’s turf. This new and ever improving technology is not yet implemented to its full potential. Currently, there are only a handful of athletic fields globally that are known to be using kinetic tiles. In addition, some sidewalks around the world have been replaced by the tiles. However, there is still much to look forward to by making this amazing technology a more mainstream alternative. Before, we dive into the science and technology behind this idea, we would like to state that Gridiron Green Gang did not pioneer or create kinetic tiles. Instead, we as a groundbreaking company believe fully in the positive impact that use of these tiles can and will have. Kinetic tiles capture energy generated when people walk or run on them. They are the latest technology when it comes to energy harvesting from innovative sources. The tiles transform your footsteps into electricity which can power everything from stadium lighting to nearby homes in Northfield, Vermont. Walking on the tiles feels like walking on normal turf or even an athletic track because as you step on them each tile flexes about 5 millimeters. This flex is enough to create electricity that can be used right away or stored for later use. Now, for all the skeptics out there who don’t believe this is really a viable option, let’s discuss the energy output of on individual tile. Many kinetic tiles work because of the scientific principle of piezoelectricity. Which is when an object is subjected to mechanical pressure, it creates an electrical current. In terms of energy production output, kinetic tiles typically generate between 2 to 8 watts per step. This is particularly remarkable when you take into account that each step lasts about half a second and could be longer of shorter depending at the speed of the user. Kinetic tiles mainly use their captured energy for nearby use. Things we take for granted, such as street lighting, stadium lighting, academic building power and more, wouldn’t need to be connected to the power grid anymore and they could be completely self-sufficient. This is imperative for moving towards a more eco-friendly and sustainable society. In terms of cost, since this is a relatively new technology, it does run on the more expensive side. The current price is about $105.67 per square foot. That being said, as popularity of these tiles continues to rise, it is safe to say that the price per square will come down. For now, Gridiron Green Gang’s main focus is the technological update to Sabine field located on the Norwich University campus. Nevertheless, in the near future, piezoelectric technology in the form of kinetic tiles, could power your day to day life: roads, paths, public transport, and more. Electricity from smart flooring can work hand in hand with other renewable resources such as solar power. This will multiply the number of simultaneous renewable energy sources, which is crucial if we want to make the future green.

#CleanEnergy #KineticTiles