Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting From Roadways Based on Pavement Compatible Package

Abstract

Scavenging mechanical energy from the deformation of roadways using piezoelectric energy transformers has been intensively explored and exhibits a promising potential for engineering applications. We propose here a new packaging method that exploit MC nylon and epoxy resin as the main protective materials for the piezoelectric energy harvesting (PEH) device. Wheel tracking tests are performed, and an electromechanical model is developed to double evaluate the efficiency of the PEH device. Results indicate that the output power of the PEH device may be enhanced with a reduced embedded depth of the piezoelectric chips. A simple scaling law is established to show that the normalized output power of the energy harvesting system relies on two combined parameters, i.e. the normalized electrical resistive load and normalized embedded depth. It suggests that the output power of the system may be maximized by properly selecting the geometrical, material, and circuit parameters in a combined manner. The result may provide a useful guideline for optimal structural and electrical designs of the piezoelectric energy harvesting system for roadway applications.