Enhanced energy-generation performance of a landfilled road-capable piezoelectric harvester to scavenge energy from passing vehicles

We demonstrate the use of a road-capable piezoelectric harvester (RCPH) with improved maintenance and power-generation characteristics. The RCPH obtained its ingress and moisture protection system rating (IP 66) through a new housing system used to evaluate its waterproof performance. Finite element simulations were performed to identify the proper depth (1, 3, or 5 cm) under an actual road for its placement to achieve increased output power. The highest von Mises stress value was measured by the 1 cm landfilled module (1LFM). The RCPH was installed under a test road and was tested with the use of the exposed and landfilled method to compare output power levels. Correspondingly, the output voltage and output power of the 1LFM were higher the exposed module. When a minivan drove over the 1LFM at 90 km/h, an output voltage of 18 V-max and an output power of 1150 mW(max) (power density: 1.15 mW/cm(2)) were measured at a load resistance level of 910 Omega. In a test road environment, the electrical energy generated by the 1LFM was sufficient to illuminate four delineators for 40 s. This system could be used on actual roads by connecting the piezoelectric modules to an emergency lighting that can be powered by the electricity generated by the module.