Finite-Element Implementation of Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting System from Vibrations of Railway Bridge

Abstract

This work investigates the finite-element implementation of a piezoelectric energy harvester subjected to traffic-induced vibration of a railway bridge. To derive the electromechanical coupled framework, Hamilton’s variational principle is employed and the mechanical and electrical energy balance equations are considered in conjunction with suitable boundary conditions of the mechanical and electric fields. For the finite-element implementation, the output voltage is considered as an additional degree of freedom together with the displacement field. The developed finite-element model is then validated by comparison with the numerical results of the current finite-element model with closed-form solutions. The characteristics of the moving train load and corresponding train-induced vibration data measured on single- and double-span bridges are analyzed and the maximum vertical deflection is also evaluated for the safety assessment of the bridge. Lastly, the capability of the piezoelectric energy harvester as an energy-scavenging device on a railway bridge, the optimum location of the harvester, the optimum speed of the moving train, and the effect of resonance are discussed in terms of the generated output voltage and total energy.