Evaluating vehicular-induced bridge vibrations for energy harvesting applications

Matthew Reichenbach; Jeremiah Fasl; Vasilis A. Samaras; Sharon Wood; Todd Helwig; Richard Lindenberg

doi:10.1117/12.914981

4 April 2012 Evaluating vehicular-induced bridge vibrations for energy harvesting applications

Matthew Reichenbach, Jeremiah Fasl, Vasilis A. Samaras, Sharon Wood, Todd Helwig, Richard Lindenberg

Proceedings Volume 8347, Nondestructive Characterization for Composite Materials, Aerospace Engineering, Civil Infrastructure, and Homeland Security 2012; 83472E (2012) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.914981
Event: SPIE Smart Structures and Materials + Nondestructive Evaluation and Health Monitoring, 2012, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Highway bridges are vital links in the transportation network in the United States. Identifying possible safety problems in the approximately 600,000 bridges across the country is generally accomplished through labor-intensive, visual inspections. Ongoing research sponsored by NIST seeks to improve inspection practices by providing real-time, continuous monitoring technology for steel bridges. A wireless sensor network with a service life of ten years that is powered by an integrated energy harvester is targeted. In order to achieve the target ten-year life for the monitoring system, novel approaches to energy harvesting for use in recharging batteries are investigated. Three main sources of energy are evaluated: (a) vibrational energy, (b) solar energy, and (c) wind energy. Assessing the energy produced from vehicular-induced vibrations and converted through electromagnetic induction is the focus of this paper. The goal of the study is to process acceleration data and analyze the vibrational response of steel bridges to moving truck loads. Through spectral analysis and harvester modeling, the feasibility of vibration-based energy harvesting for longterm monitoring can be assessed. The effects of bridge conditions, ambient temperature, truck traffic patterns, and harvester position on the power content of the vibrations are investigated. With sensor nodes continually recharged, the proposed real-time monitoring system will operate off the power grid, thus reducing life cycle costs and enhancing inspection practices for state DOTs. This paper will present the results of estimating the vibration energy of a steel bridge in Texas.

Citation Download Citation

Matthew Reichenbach, Jeremiah Fasl, Vasilis A. Samaras, Sharon Wood, Todd Helwig, and Richard Lindenberg "Evaluating vehicular-induced bridge vibrations for energy harvesting applications", Proc. SPIE 8347, Nondestructive Characterization for Composite Materials, Aerospace Engineering, Civil Infrastructure, and Homeland Security 2012, 83472E (4 April 2012); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.914981

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