Open AccessAnalysis and application of the piezoelectric energy harvester on light electric logistics vehicle suspension systems
Author(s) -
Zhao Zhen,
Wang Tie,
Shi Jinhong,
Zhang Baifu,
Zhang Ruiliang,
Li Meng,
Wen Yonggang
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
energy science and engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.638
H-Index - 29
ISSN - 2050-0505
DOI - 10.1002/ese3.456
Subject(s) - energy harvesting , automotive engineering , suspension (topology) , root mean square , vibration , electric vehicle , energy (signal processing) , piezoelectricity , electric potential energy , power (physics) , engineering , electrical engineering , acoustics , physics , mathematics , quantum mechanics , homotopy , pure mathematics
Abstract Vehicles are subject to a variety of road unevenness and random road excitations that potentially cause the vehicle to undergo a significant amount of energy dissipation, while compromising energy efficiency. This paper focuses on designing a novel piezoelectric energy harvester and aims to assess the energy harvesting potential, from the vehicle suspension, under random and pulse road excitations. To describe the energy harvesting process, a dual‐mass suspension system vibration model of a light electric logistics vehicle, equipped with a piezoelectric energy harvester, is developed. Various parameters, such as driving speed, ratio of the moment arms of the lever, and piezoelectric material cross‐sectional area, are included in the model, for basic harvesting energy. The root mean square (RMS) value of harvested power, in the case of random road, is up to 18.83 W, while the maximum respective value, in the case of pulse road, is 102.24 W and is obtained at 30 km/h. The harvested electricity is very valuable and useful, as it can be used to power automotive electrical equipment. The results of this paper provide an important reference frame for future research, related to energy harvesting from vehicle suspension.