Road Energy Harvesting Research Articles

A high-efficiency road energy harvester based on a chessboard sliding plate using semi-metal friction materials for self-powered applications in road traffic

To explore the alternative resources of traditional energy, ambient-energy scavenging technologies have attracted worldwide attention. In particular, the roadways contain a significant potential for environmental energy harvesting (EEH). In this study, we proposed an innovative road energy harvesting system based on a chessboard sliding plate by using semi-metal friction materials (SMFMs) for collecting the mechanical energy induced by running vehicles. The SMFMs have good frictional properties that enable them to absorb energy well. The proposed system consists of four main components as follows: chessboard sliding plate module, transmission module, micro-generator module and energy storage module. Acting as the energy input mechanism, the chessboard sliding plate module harvests the kinetic energy produced by the friction between the wheel and chessboard plate. The transmission module converts the linear reciprocating motion of the chessboard sliding plate to unidirectional rotation of the input shaft of generator. The energy storage module stores the electric energy generated by the generator module in a supercapacitor. The performance of the proposed system is evaluated through dynamic simulations; the simulation results demonstrate that the system possesses rapid response. Efficiency of 62.38% and 57% are obtained in the simulation and experiments, respectively, validating that the proposed road energy harvesting system is feasible and practical for self-powered applications in road traffic electrical equipment, such as traffic lights, street lamps and speed measuring radar.

Prospective of Societal and Environmental Benefits of Piezoelectric Technology in Road Energy Harvesting

Road energy harvesting is an ingenious horizon for clean and renewable energy production. The concept is very compatible with current traffic trends and the ongoing depletion of natural resources. Yet, the idea of harvesting roadway energy is still in its genesis, and only a few real-time implementation projects have been reported in the literature. This review article summarizes the current state of the art in road energy harvesting technology, with a focus on piezoelectric systems, including an analysis of the impact of the technology from social and environmental standpoints. Based on an extensive desktop review study, this article provides a comprehensive insight into roadway energy harvesting technologies. Specifically, the article discusses the societal and environmental benefits of road energy harvesting technologies, as well as the challenges. The study outlined the meaningful benefits that positively align with the concept of sustainability. Overall, the literature findings indicate that the expansion of the roadway energy harvesting technology to a large practical scale is feasible, but such an undertaking should be wisely weighed from broader perspectives. Ultimately, the article provides a positive outlook of the potential contributions of road energy harvesting technologies to the ongoing energy and environmental challenges of human society.

Modeling and experimental study of a linear power generator for road energy harvesting

There are a large number of vehicles running on the road, and the shape of the road surface varies accordingly. Thus, this kinetic energy can be harvested to power electrical equipment along the road, and this energy harvesting technology has good environmental adaptability because it will not be affected by the sun, wind, or other natural environmental factors. A permanent magnet linear generator is designed and tested for road kinetic energy harvesting. The generator is described by a single degree of freedom system model with mass-spring-damping. The system response is analysed on the basis of the system model. The mover's vibration response is modeled over two stages according to the vehicle's wheel load. The power generation process is simulated and calculated according to the aforementioned models. The magnetic force and magnetic field are calculated by use of the finite element method; because of the non-linear magnetic force, the output electromotive force (EMF) is subject to frequency multiplication under conditions of sinusoidal displacement input. A prototype is manufactured and embedded in the road for experimental research purposes. The test result shows that the maximum peak-to-peak value of the output EMF and average power are up to 484.18 V and 255.1 W, respectively, as a car passes over the generator at a speed 20 km/h. Moreover, the time-domain and amplitude-frequency characteristics agree well with those calculated. It is demonstrated that the proposed model is able to describe the road power generator.

Application of piezoelectric transducer in energy harvesting in pavement

Mechanical energy appears everywhere in the nature, road vibration energy created by the vehicle will not only do damage to pavement structure, but also is difficult to collect. Utilizing electromechanical conversion characteristics of piezoelectric material, gather the vibration energy when vehicle passing on the pavement, and design the piezoelectric transducer package box, for traffic lights along the roads, signs, and so on. Save the cost of laying long distance transmission line, also take full advantage of the loss of energy. Experiments of piezoelectric boxes has been conducted in pavement to prove the effectiveness of this product. This study shows that utilize piezoelectric technology in road energy harvesting is feasible and has a bright future.

A Novel Road Energy Harvester System Based on Sliding Deceleration Design and Model

Green, safe and efficient road energy harvesting is a challenge for road traffic application. In this paper, we present a novel road energy harvester system based on sliding deceleration design and model for the purposes of energy harvesting involved in road traffic. The main components of the system consist of sliding deceleration mechanism, rack and pinion transmission, mechanical motion rectifier, which are used to generate electricity from the vibration of the sliding plate excited by vehicles passing by. Compared with the conventional road harvester using the speed bump, the proposed road energy harvester system has potential advantages in reducing the dependence on the speed bump, increasing the safety of vehicle when passing by and expanding its application. The final experimental results show the validity of our method under simulation condition.