Effects of a Galfenol-Based Energy Harvester Installed at the Track Fastener on Track Vibration

Abstract

Vibration energy harvesters (VEHs) can utilize the vibration of the track to generate electricity and provide power for other devices within the harvester. To analyze whether energy harvesters arranged in an array harm track operation, we conducted a simulation analysis. Based on the vehicle–track coupling model, the influence of inductive electromotive force on track vibration was analyzed and compared with the simulation results obtained from the classical vehicle–track coupling model. The rail vibration displacement was reduced from 0.5 to 0.0692 mm, and the maximum vibration acceleration of the rail was reduced from 2.3759 to 0.4534 m/s2. The energy harvester can attenuate the vibration of the track significantly, and has a minor influence on the regular operation of the track. The vibration of a railway can be transformed to electric energy and used to power sensors at the railway side and train sides, such as velocity sensors, temperature sensors, accelerometers, wireless transmission modules, and other wireless sensor network (WSN) devices. It also can be used as backup power for the auxiliary load on the railway side, such as traffic lights and speed measuring radar. A vibration energy harvester installed at the fastener has a simple structure and can provide enough power for WSN sensors. It provides a good energy supply for line-side monitors and auxiliary devices. Because safety is the most critical issue for track devices, the effect of the installation of VEHs on the operation of the track should be analyzed. The vibration of a track with a fastener VEH is less than that without a VEH, which will reduce the impact of vibration on the environment and ensure the safe running of trains. This method also applies to the safety analysis of other track energy harvesting devices.