Road-based energy harvesting device

Road power generation device that increases power output by using an actuator-rotated irregular rod to directly press a piezoelectric element

This technology is a road energy harvesting device where a vibration transmission unit, connected to an open-top housing by an elastic body, moves up and down with road vibrations, causing a rod extending downward to directly press a piezoelectric element or plate surface within the housing to generate electricity.

Existing road energy harvesting devices that generate power from vehicle vibrations by burying piezoelectric elements under the road were durable and prevented road damage, but suffered from very low power output due to the minimal deformation transmitted to the piezoelectric elements.

This technology features a rod unit composed of a protrusion extending from an extension member, with a first and second rod extending from either side, each having different cross-sectional areas or lengths. An actuator rotates the protrusion to select which rod presses the piezoelectric element. Both ends of the plate are secured by fixed parts to increase the bending displacement of the piezoelectric element when pressed, while the movement range of the vibration transmission unit is limited by the elastic body to protect the road and the device. Applicable to highway and arterial road surfaces, toll gates, intersection deceleration zones, and roadside streetlights or self-powered sensor facilities, it allows for switching the pressing rod based on traffic volume and vehicle load conditions to obtain more power from the same vibration.

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Key Features:

• A vibration transmission unit connected to the top of an open-top housing by an elastic body, moving vertically in response to road vibrations
• A plate provided inside the housing with a piezoelectric element on one side, with both ends secured by fixed parts
• A rod unit that maintains contact with the piezoelectric element or plate and moves vertically according to the movement of the vibration transmission unit
• A protrusion extending from an extension member, rotated by an actuator, from which a first rod and a second rod with different cross-sectional areas or lengths extend

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This invention was developed with support from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy for the development and demonstration of piezoelectric energy harvesters to utilize untapped road traffic energy.

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