Abstract
The goal of this study is to develop a vibration-based electromagnetic energy harvesting prototype that provides power to rail-side monitoring equipment and sensors by collecting wheel-rail vibration energy when the train travels. This technology helps power rail–side equipment in off-grid and remote areas. This article introduces the principle, modeling, and experimental test of the system, including (1) an electromagnetic energy harvesting prototype with DC-DC boost converter and lithium battery charge management function, (2) wireless sensor nodes integrated with accelerometer and temperature/humidity sensor, and (3) a vehicle-track interaction model that considers wheel out-of-roundness. Field test results, power consumption, Littlewood–Paley wavelet transform method, and feasibility analysis are reported. An application case of the technology is introduced: the sensor nodes of the wireless sensor network are powered by the electromagnetic energy harvester and lithium battery with DC-DC boost converter, thereby continuously monitoring the railway track state; based on the Littlewood–Paley wavelet analysis of measured railway track acceleration data, the abnormal signal caused by the wheel out-of-roundness can be detected.
Highlights
MotivationAs a means of passenger and freight transport, rail transport plays an important role in our daily lives
In a previous study,[16] we proposed a broadband electromagnetic-induction energy harvester through magnetic levitation, which is more suitable for capturing wheel-track interaction energy
The ZigBee sensor node is powered by the lithium battery and energy harvester
Summary
As a means of passenger and freight transport, rail transport plays an important role in our daily lives. The construction of railway infrastructure has experienced sustainable growth, especially in some developing countries. As of 2018, China has 27,000 km of high-speed railway lines.[1] in remote and off-grid areas, it is still difficult to ensure the supply of monitoring equipment along the railway. It is necessary to develop a new energy strategy (i.e. renewable energy). Intelligent railway track with renewable energy technology has been a research hotspot in recent years.[2,3,4,5]
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