Conceptual Design of a Wheel-Based Energy Harvesting Device for Low-Speed Driving and Vehicle Acceleration/Deceleration

Abstract

  In this study, we analyzed previous studies on automotive wheel energy harvesters using piezoelectric methods and designed and analyzed a low-speed energy harvester that can be mounted inside the spokes using electromagnetic induction. Through mathematical analysis, we theoretically confirmed the potential for power generation. In an actual experiment, by connecting five generators in parallel within five spokes, results of 1.3A, 1.56V, and 2.028W are obtained. Based on these results, the difference from the calculated value and its causes are analyzed, and an improved study of addressing the problems is proposed. It is confirmed that the power output at low speeds is higher than that of previous small piezoelectric energy harvesters. Thus, it is concluded that it can be applied in combination with other generators.