Optimization of the performance and operation of a photovoltaic-thermoelectric power supply system for bridge safety monitoring microsystems

Abstract

In the long-term unattended condition, the continuous operation of bridge safety monitoring micro-system (BSMMS) in mountain areas has the issue of insufficient energy supply. Therefore, a photovoltaic-thermoelectric hybrid power generation system (PV-TEG) is proposed to power the temperature, wind speed, and tilt sensors of BSMMS. The power generation performance and characteristics of PV and TEG are experimentally investigated to find the operation mode to match the bridge monitoring. In addition, the intermittent operation mode of BSMMS is optimized to achieve longer running times. The experimental results show that the output voltage and power generation of the PV-TEG can meet the energy consumption demands of all sensors. TEG power generation is linear with bridge temperature, which can trigger TEG to support the temperature sensor operation. The energy storage battery supports the BSMMS to run for 8.99 days in the mode of running 5 min every 5-min intervals. Optimizing the operation time and interval of the BSMMS to run once in half an hour, it can run continuously for up to 17.97–22.46 days. This work provides a reference for the design of an unattended self-powered energy supply system for a multi-parameter integrated bridge safety monitoring system.