Enhanced energy-generation performance of a landfilled road-capable piezoelectric harvester to scavenge energy from passing vehicles

Abstract

We demonstrate the use of a road-capable piezoelectric harvester (RCPH) with improved maintenance and power-generation characteristics. The RCPH obtained its ingress and moisture protection system rating (IP 66) through a new housing system used to evaluate its waterproof performance. Finite element simulations were performed to identify the proper depth (1, 3, or 5 cm) under an actual road for its placement to achieve increased output power. The highest von Mises stress value was measured by the 1 cm landfilled module (1LFM). The RCPH was installed under a test road and was tested with the use of the exposed and landfilled method to compare output power levels. Correspondingly, the output voltage and output power of the 1LFM were higher the exposed module. When a minivan drove over the 1LFM at 90 km/h, an output voltage of 18 V