An enhanced piezoelectric wire structure includes an elongated portion of piezoelectric material, a metallic core, and an outer conductive sheath. The metallic core is substantially surrounded by the elongated portion of piezoelectric material and configured to function as a first
electrode for the piezoelectric structure. The conductive outer sheath preferably covers selected areas of the elongated portion of piezoelectric material and functions as a second
electrode for the structure. The piezoelectric material may correspond to
barium titanate ceramic fibers, such that a lead-free structure is effected, however other piezoelectric materials may also be utilized. The disclosed structure can be poled with a reduced poling
voltage and lower temperature level, and also requires a reduced
voltage potential level required for mechanical actuation. A collection of such piezoelectric structures can be provided together in a modular patch
assembly that may be formed in a variety of customized configurations for integration with various environments, and can function as a mechanical
actuator device, a condition-responsive device (e.g., a sensor) and / or as a power generation device. When utilized as a power generation device, the subject piezoelectric
assembly can power tire
electronics components such as a revolution counter, a sensor, a rechargeable battery, a flashing light
assembly, a
microcontroller, a
global positioning system (GPS), and a
radio frequency (RF) device.