Development of a pavement mechanical energy harvesting system

A rack-and-pinion mechanical energy harvester coupled with a displacement transfer plate is optimised for high-speed vehicles. The module, placed at a selected depth from the pavement surface, converts displacements from passing vehicles into excitations to the energy harvester for electricity production. The produced energy could be used to power traffic safety signs, traffic lights, small roadside electronics, and other infrastructure in rural areas. Kinematic modelling was completed to establish power output relations. Sensitivity analysis revealed that small input excitations, under high-speed, could provide the rated revolutions per minute of the generator. Realistic dynamic loading was also imposed by subjecting the energy harvester to a load-unload scenario for compression and recovery. The final design parameters were determined via Monte Carlo simulations, considering a Class-9 truck with wide-base tyres moving at 128 km/h. A future effort will include field validation of the designed energy harvester prototype.