A comparative analysis of piezoelectric transducers for harvesting energy from asphalt pavement

The purpose of this paper is to compare the performance of the popular piezoelectric transducers, which may be used to harvest energy from the asphalt pavement. Part of the energies in the pavement caused by vehicle can be harvested by piezoelectric transducers. In order to get more energy from the pavement, the PZT 5H is selected to build the transducers because of its high (d.g) value. The electromechanical coupling factor k and the energy transmission coefficient lambda(max) are used to evaluate the efficiency of the transducers, as well as its stiffness and durability. The multilayer, MFC (Macro-Fiber Composite), Moonie, Cymbal, Bridge, and THUNDER (Thin Layer Unimorph Ferroelectric Driver and Sensor) are discussed based on finite element analysis. Results show that the multilayer has the highest efficiency with k = 0.75 and lambda(max) = 0.28. However, its high stiffness limits the ability to get more energy. THUNDER has similar efficiency (k = 0.74, lambda(max) = 0.24) with multilayer and more storage electric energy. However, its stiffness is far less than pavement. Moonie is not suggested as a pavement generator for its low efficiency. MFC has the very flexible shape and acceptable efficiency (k = 0.24, lambda(max) = 0.029). It is hard to use it directly in the pavement. The Bridge and Cymbal are suggested for harvesting energy from asphalt pavement for their reasonable efficiency and moderate stiffness close to asphalt pavement. The lifetimes of multilayer, Cymbal and Bridge are reasonable compared to the fatigue of pavement. (C) 2012 The Ceramic Society of Japan. All rights reserved.