Characterization of Piezoelectric Energy Production from Asphalt Pavements Using a Numerical-Experimental Framework

Abstract

The recent increase in demand for electric energy and different ways of harvesting and generating it has been a key research stream in transportation infrastructure in Brazil. Since pavement structures are subjected to the mechanical load of millions of vehicles, the application of piezoelectric sensors is adequate, transforming deformations and vibrations on its layers into electric power. The general objective of this study was to investigate the use of piezoelectricity as a source of renewable energy applied to roadways using computational simulations and laboratory tests. The results indicate that factors such as frequency, load, the number of piezo cells, and spacing all affect the amount of power harvested. Regarding power generation in the simulation and laboratory characterization, the highest values obtained were 648.8 mW and 226.9 mW, respectively. The analysis indicates there is a correlation between the laboratory tests and the computational simulations, enabling the prototype application to capture up to 76.56 MWh of energy per month. Usage of piezoelectricity has been demonstrated to be a promising alternative to complement the Brazilian energy matrix and reduce the environmental impact.

Optimization of cantilever piezoelectric harvester to triangular shape with material reduction using finite element analysis

“…The simulations were conducted in COMSOL Multiphysics 6.1, implementing the finite element method (FEM). The steps for building and simulating the model resemble those described by Mota et al [ 61 ]. For a complete evaluation of both mechanical and electrical parameters, Structural Mechanics – Piezoelectric Devices module is employed [ 62 ].…”

Numerical and Experimental Investigation of a Compressive-Mode Hull Piezoelectric Energy Harvester under Impact Force

“…In this evolving landscape, a promising green technology has emerged, capitalizing on the ability of piezoelectric materials to convert mechanical energy from various vibrational sources into electricity with improved sustainability [5,6]. These sources of vibration can be as diverse as human motions [7], such as foot strikes in shoes [8] or floor tiles [9,10], to vehicular movements on roadways [11,12], railway vibrations [13], and even vibrations from household appliances such as air conditioners [14] or from rotating machines via rolling element bearings [15] and shafts to achieve self-powered sensor networks [16]. Innovatively, some applications have even integrated with fluid flows found in wind [17] or water pipes [18].…”

Assessing the Climate-Neutral Investment Projects in the Context of Environmental Protection and Energy Security

“…It is therefore important to ensure investment support for the innovative development of municipal transport infrastructure on the basis of climate neutrality and energy efficiency, namely building a network of charging stations for electric vehicles, bicycle paths, and amassing a fleet of ecological public transport. The innovative environmentally friendly investment solutions include the use of piezoelectric sensors that convert deformations and vibrations in the layers of pavements subjected to mechanical stress from vehicles into electrical energy -piezoelectricity as a source of renewable energy (Mota et al, 2022). In addition, attracting investment for the development of smart cities through the development of environmentally friendly programs based on the Internet of Things is also of value.…”