Design and Simulation of PZT based Energy Harvester Embedded in Asphalt Pavement

Abstract

With the emphasis on the intelligent Transport System(ITS), it is desirable to use energy harvester from the dynamic vehicular load. As more and more sensors are now a days are embedded in the road and traffic signal supplying power is one of the biggest bottlenecks researchers are facing in implementing these idea. Our main aim in this paper is to maximize the energy harvesting with limited strain due to tyre pressure. Strain limitation objective is due to desired comfort/ balance of vehicle due to embedded PZT beneath the Pavement. Large deformation/ strain will also contribute in fuel consumption which is undesirable. We have started with the model suggested in literature and varied the cross section and geometry of the system. With the help of finite element analysis using ANSYS Workbench we have simulated different scenario with given tyre pressure of the dynamic vehicle on the road. Finally with the help of stress analysis we have recommended an optimum design of the system.