Tech Innovations with Big Implications for Facilities

New technologies are a great way for business leaders to improve performance and reduce costs. Innovation is booming, especially in the critical digital and energy sectors. Two emerging technologies being adopted in an increasing number of facilities could shake up how they run: piezoelectric power generation and Li-Fi.

Piezoelectric generation works because of the piezoelectric effect: the ability of certain materials to generate electricity when subjected to physical pressure. By placing piezoelectric material under the flooring in areas with high foot traffic, electricity is generated passively from people simply walking around. The energy is stored in graphene batteries, and then dispersed throughout the facility. It may sound too good to be true, but this kind of technology is already being employed in numerous large facilities, including the main concourse and playing field of Mercedes Benz Stadium, home of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons.

Li-Fi, as the name suggests, is an alternative to Wi-Fi that transmits data through light waves instead of radio waves. It works by turning LED lights on and off very rapidly in a method similar to Morse Code. Li-Fi is faster than Wi-Fi, but Wi-Fi still predominates because it can encompass larger areas and penetrate walls. Li-Fi is more secure as well, since it does not cause any radio interference.

Both piezoelectric generation and Li-Fi could have huge implications for efficiency, productivity, and cost savings at facilities everywhere. To learn how the technicians of MaintenX can help you and your business explore and install these and other types of equipment, please contact us at any time.