388 / 2022-01-29 17:28:15

Applicability of powering sensors by harvesting vehicle body vibration energy: A tentative review

energy harvesting;,vehicle vibration;,self-powered sensors;,broadband energy harvester;

The number of vehicle sensors surges accompanying development of intelligent vehicles. It will be valuable to make those key sensors self-powered in terms of easier sensor installation and maintenance. This article tries to explore the applicability of harvesting vehicle vibration energy to power certain sensors for intelligent vehicles. Vibration characteristics of vehicle body are discussed firstly, and the basic requirements on energy harvesting devices to power the sensors are clarified. It is inferred that broadband energy harvesters which can operate well under low-frequency and low-acceleration excitations are feasible solutions to harvest vibration energy from car body. Typical energy harvesting methods and devices are then reviewed, from which feasible energy harvesting technologies are suggested according to the requirements. It is shown that although various energy harvesting concepts or devices have been put forward, novel energy harvesting devices are desirable so as to take advantage of car body vibration as well as to ensure a better sensor operation environment.