A Multivariable Parametric Study on the Performance of Piezoelectric-Based Energy Harvesting Systems in Roadways

Piezoelectric-based systems embedded within a pavement structure represent a viable option to harvesting traffic-generated energy. Experimental and analytical investigations have revealed that the power output of a piezoelectric unit is nonlinearly proportional to stress. Thus, the current research work aims to determine an optimal set of operating conditions that would maximize the stress experienced by the piezoelectric units. This research objective was achieved by conducting a multi-variable parametric study based on finite element analyses of a hypothetical energy harvesting system simulating in-situ field conditions. The finite element models were developed in the commercial software Abaqus. The energy harvesting module was modeled as a sandwich structure, consisting of packing plates enclosing piezoelectric elements and a soft material filling the voids. The effects of packing cover stiffness, asphalt layer thickness, and elastic modulus of asphalt layer were evaluated under static simulations. Dynamic analyses were conducted to determine the effects of vehicle speed, temperature variation, and filler material on the performance of the energy harvesting system. In addition, a probabilistic analysis, accounting for tire wander, was performed to identify the optimum width of the module. This paper discusses the effects of the different structural parameters on the vertical stress response of the system. The numerical results suggest that the energy harvesting module should be placed at locations of slow traffic movements and hot climatic regions at about 2-inches below the pavement surface.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • This paper was sponsored by TRB committee ADC60 Standing Committee on Resource Conservation and Recovery.
• Authors:
  • Montoya, Arturo
  • Jagtap, Pranav
  • Papagiannakis, A T
  • Dessouky, Samer
  • Walubita, Lubinda
• Conference:
  • Transportation Research Board 97th Annual Meeting
  • Location: Washington DC, United States
  • Date: 2018-1-7 to 2018-1-11
• Date: 2018

Language

• English

Media Info

• Media Type: Digital/other
• Features: Figures; References; Tables;
• Pagination: 16p

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Asphalt pavements; Design; Energy consumption; Optimization; Parametric analysis; Piezoelectricity; Roads
• Subject Areas: Energy; Highways; Pavements;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01657423
• Record Type: Publication
• Report/Paper Numbers: 18-03512
• Files: TRIS, TRB, ATRI
• Created Date: Jan 24 2018 9:24AM