Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting for Roadways

Energy harvesting technologies have drawn much attention as an alternative power source of roadway accessories in different scales. Piezoelectric energy harvesting consisting of PZT piezoceramic disks sealed in a protective package is developed in this work to harness the deformation energy of pavement induced by traveling vehicles and generate electrical energy. Six energy harvesters are fabricated and installed at the weigh station on I-81 at Troutville, VA to perform on-site evaluation. The electrical performance of the installed harvesters is evaluated by measuring the output voltage and current generated under real traffic. Instant and average power outputs are calculated from the measured waveforms of output voltage and current. The analysis of the testing results shows that the electrical productivity of the energy harvesters are highly relevant to the axle configuration and magnitude of passing vehicles. The energy transmission efficiency of the energy harvester is also assessed.