COMSOL multiphysics simulation of piezoelectric sensor for energy harvesting from railway tracks

Abstract

An energy harvester using piezoelectric sensors is investigated and a model is simulated in COMSOL multipyhsics software to harness energy from railway tracks. In new energy conservative world, new ideas are needed to be implemented. The induced sound wave inside the railway tracks, as a result of rail wheel interaction, is of dynamic in nature. These waves are travelling in the railway tracks for short time of interval and can be easily harvested with the help of piezoelectric sensors and stored inside the batteries for later use. Now a day’s wireless sensor nodes are widely used for measurement of different physical quantities like temperature, humidity etc. and providing essential power to such devices, is a big problem. Energy harvesting from tracks can be used to power wireless sensor nodes installed near to railway tracks, tunnels, and rural areas near railway tracks. The Lead Zirconate Titanate PZT 5H piezoelectric sensors are used to simulate a model in COMSOL.