DEVELOPMENT OF HYBRID (VIBRATION AND SOLAR) ENERGY
HARVESTING IN RAILWAY
AFNAN FADLAN BIN AZMI
50219117096
Report Submitted to Fulfil the Partial Requirement for The Bachelor of
Electromechanical System
University Kuala Lumpur
JANUARY 2020
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CONTENTS
DECLARATION............................................................................................................5
ABSTRACT..................................................................................................................6
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION...................................................................................7
1.1 Background of the Project...................................................................7
1.2 Problem Statement.............................................................................8
1.3 Objectives............................................................................................8
1.4 Chapter Summary...............................................................................8
CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY..................................................................................9
3.1 Introduction.............................................................................................9
3.2 Block diagram.......................................................................................10
3.3 Program Flowchart................................................................................12
3.5 Hardware...............................................................................................15
3.5.1 Piezoelectric Drum.............................................................................15
3.5.2 Solar Panel.........................................................................................15
3.5.3 Arduino UNO......................................................................................17
3.5.4 Lithium Ion Rechargeable Battery.....................................................18
3.6 Software................................................................................................19
3.6.1 Arduino IDE........................................................................................19
3.6.2 Proteus 8 Professional.......................................................................20
3.7 Project Gantt Chart...............................................................................21
3.8 Expected Project Costing......................................................................22
3.9 Chapter Summary.................................................................................23
CHAPTER 4: EXPECTED RESULT..........................................................................24
4.1 Introduction...........................................................................................24
4.2 Piezoelectric..........................................................................................24
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4.3 Solar Panel............................................................................................25
4.4 Battery Capacity....................................................................................26
4.5 Chapter Summary.................................................................................26
CONCLUSION............................................................................................................27
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4
DECLARATION
I declare that this report is my original work and all references have been
cited adequately as required by the University
Date: Signature
Full Name: AFNAN FADLAN
BIN AZMI
ID Number: 50219117096
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ABSTRACT
As demand for renewable and sustainable energy grows, it is useful to
explore alternative energy approaches like the processing of vibrational
energy and solar energy. This paper proposes a multifunctional compliant
structure that can harvest electrical power from both incident sunlight and
vibration. To this end, railway track vibration and solar energy has been
proposed as a potential source of energy. So, the quality of the track
vibration needs to be understood to extract energy from the vibrations of a
moving train. The piezoelectric generator called drum transducer is the key
part for track vibration energy harvesting while the photovoltaic panel is the
key part for solar energy. In this paper, we design and characterize a
renewable energy harvesting system which use piezoelectric material and
solar panel to collect energy from railway track vibrations and sun by using
Arduino UNO as microcontroller. The whole track vibration and solar energy
harvesting system is analytically modelled, numerically simulated, and
experimentally realized to demonstrate the feasibility and the reliability of the
theoretical model. This paper is the theoretical basis of harvesting,
recovering, and recycling of the track vibration and solar energy for track
streetlights. This article also discusses about structurally modelling a piezo -
solar energy harvester.
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CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Project
Environmental energy harvesting can enable wireless electronic devices to
operate forever. This sheet of paper examines dynamic modelling of a
flexible, multifunctional structure capable of generating electrical power from
both incidents solar and vibration. The production of a reliable and low-cost
power source for this rail-side equipment is essential. The harvester of solar
energy has a basic structure and it is not polluting. However, it cannot work
effectively in the inadequate light area or at night [5]. Vibration energy
harvester converts the vibration energy from the environment into electrical
energy. There are many types of mechanical vibration in the environment,
such as machine operating vibration, passing car road vibration, running train
vibration, and so on [5]. Since the streetlights are usually near the track, it is
convenient to get energy from the vibration of the track. When a passing train
moves over the track, the track vibrates strongly. The displacement
of the vibration can drive the energy harvester and supply power for
streetlight.
In this paper we propose a new method for track vibration energy harvesting
and design a form of piezoelectric generator called drum transducer. This
method is modelled on demonstrating the feasibility of energy harvesting for
track vibration. The piezoelectric and solar harvesting device is structurally
simple, without moving parts, and small. However, piezoelectric, and solar
generator location and structure, have an enormous influence on energy
harvesting. To verify the reliability of the theoretical analysis is developed an
experimental rig [3].
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1.2 Problem Statement
Energy is one of the hot topics today. The industry trend is moving toward
switching from non-renewable sources to renewable sources that are cleaner
and becoming more competitive in the global market. Energy harvesting
device used to scavenge energy from ambient vibrations and solar have
been intensively studied during the past few years. In this work, a hybrid
power system consists of a solar panel, a vibration energy harvester and a
lithium battery are demonstrated. As power sources output voltage is
unsuitable for direct integration, the corresponding converters are necessarily
required. It can generate the power output to which any useful application
can be implemented. The system can harvest multiple types of ambient
energy (solar and vibration), which extends its applicability and feasibility.
Track vibration and solar energy was proposed as a possible source of
energy for this project.
1.3 Objectives
To solve the problems faced, the proposed project must have the objectives
that will lead to a successful project. The objectives are listed as below:
1) To generate energy using hybrid generator (solar energy and vibration
energy) from passing train at the railway track.
2) To supply the power that have been generate for signal lights and track
light at railway.
1.4 Chapter Summary
The chapter has roughly reviewed the background of the project. The basic
ideas of the concepts and methods that are relevant to build the proposed
project are also have been stated.
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CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction
This section shows the steps on how the proposed project will meet the
development of the project. It tells the planning on how to develop a
prototype of hybrid (Vibration and Solar) Energy Harvesting in Railway.
Methodology is defined as a technique used to complete the studies and
activities. Therefore, each of the subtopics will present the way to develop
the project including the circuit diagram, software and the hardware used.
Figure 1: methodology flowchart
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3.2 Block diagram
Figure 2: Block Diagram
The block diagram in Figure 2 shows the main supply of the
streetlights is the battery. The solar panel and piezoelectric device which
connected to the battery are used to absorb the sunlight and track vibration.
When the sunlight reform as the solar energy and the track vibration reform
as vibration energy, the energy will be store in the battery. That is how the
battery is powered up in this project. Then, the output from the battery will
supply the power to the streetlights.
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To control the streetlights, the microcontroller or the main brain of the
system used is Arduino UNO. Only data that have been processed is
distributed to the output of Arduino. The output pins of Arduino will be
connected to the streetlights circuit to control the streetlights.
Even though there is a battery which used to supply the power to the
streetlights, Arduino UNO can receive the supply from the same battery. This
is because the Arduino UNO can be powered up to 5V DC only. Therefore,
another circuit for the Arduino board is needed
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3.3 Program Flowchart
Figure 3: Program flowchart
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Based on the Figure 3, it shows the step of how system is operated. From
here, battery will charge when there are two situations. First, when trains
were passed on the railway track and second is when the solar panel detect
the light. Both energies, (solar and vibration) will convert to electrical energy
then will store in battery.
During night or lack of light, the streetlight will switch ON and during
daytime the streetlights will switch off. The process of monitoring the
streetlights are controlled by using Arduino as microcontroller. This process
is so important to ensure the stored energy is used efficiently and wisely
without wasting it. Subsequently, to make sure the streetlights are function,
all the process must be followed.
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3.4 System Design
Arduino
UNO Solar panel
streetlights
Figure 4: Design plan of the supply power for streetlights
Figure 5:Location of piezoelectric generator
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3.5 Hardware
This section will elaborate the details of the hardware used in the proposed
project.
3.5.1 Piezoelectric Drum
Figure 6: Piezoelectric Drum
The component is the piezo element itself. The piezo element has two leads,
and when the pad is pressed, the element generates a small voltage across
its leads. Piezo elements come in lots of shapes and sizes, but the ones in
your kit are well-suited for detecting a hit or finger press.
In this guide we will be using an Arduino Uno for the example code, but this
kit could be used with any device that can detect a small (less than 5v)
voltage in an analog fashion.
3.5.2 Solar Panel
Figure 7: Polycrystalline Solar Panel
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There are many types of solar panel that are commonly used in the
industries. For instance, mono-crystalline, polycrystalline, and thin film solar
panel. Each of the solar panel has it owns pros and cons. Mono-crystalline
solar panel is made from the highest grade of silicon. Therefore, it is the most
efficient solar panel and tend to be more effective in a low-light condition
compared to the same rated polycrystalline solar panel. However, good
things come with sky-high price. That is the reason why among the types of
solar panel, mono-crystalline solar panel is the most expensive.
Polycrystalline solar panel is made with simple process which the cost
is less. It is also not wasting the silicon used rather than mono-crystalline
solar panel. The heat tolerance of polycrystalline solar panel is less than
mono-crystalline solar panel. This states that in the condition with high
temperature, the performance of polycrystalline solar panel will be affected
but not as worse as mono-crystalline solar panel. One of the disadvantages
of this solar panel, it is built from the low grade of silicon which reduced its
efficiency.
The other type of solar panel is thin film solar cells. This solar panel is
made from one or several thin layers photovoltaic materials include
amorphous silicon, cadmium telluride, copper indium gallium selenide and
organic photovoltaic cells. It is flexible which can be apply to many future
applications and the process to make it is easier than the crystalline-based
solar panel. But this solar panel type is not usually used because it
deteriorates faster than both poly and mono-crystalline solar panel.
Based on the characteristics of each of the solar panel, polycrystalline
will be used in this proposed project because it is cheaper, and the
percentage of the efficiency can still be considered.
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3.5.3 Arduino UNO
Figure 8: Arduino UNO Board
In the development of the proposed project, Arduino UNO board is the
most important device. This is because the microcontroller is the main
components used in the invention of automatically controlled products.
Arduino UNO board has been used widely as it is easy to work with. User
can simply connect the board with the battery as the supply. They can also
connect it to the computer by a USB cable to get start.
Generally, Arduino UNO consists overall 14 digital input and output
pins. Another 6 pins are for analog input, a USB port and a power jack. Some
of the important parts built in the board are 16 MHz quartz crystal and ICSP
for USB interface. The Arduino UNO pin configuration is shown on Figure
Out of 14 digital input and output pins of the board, 6 of them can be
used as the outputs of PWM. On the other hand, one of the functions of the
USB port is to upload coding and sketches to Arduino. It is also for
communicating with Arduino through serial communication and to power up
the Arduino. The reset button is to bring the signal line too low to reset the
microcontroller. Furthermore, pin 13 is connected to the built-in LED. Pins A0
up to A5 is the 6 pins of analog input. Its function is to transforms voltages
between 0 to 5V into integer values between 0 to 1023.
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Then, there are also 5 pins used to connect to the supply. Pins
denoted by GND and 5V are connected to the external circuits while the
other GND and Vin pins will receive supply voltage to power up the Arduino
board. The power connector or DC jack is used to power up the Arduino
UNO board with 2.1mm DC jack. It can receive 6V minimum and 20 volts
maximum voltage.
3.5.4 Lithium Ion Rechargeable Battery
As this proposed project will receive the supply from solar energy and
vibration energy, the suitable battery is needed to store the power. There are
two types of battery that can be used. It is either DC battery or AC battery.
Each battery has its own characteristics. Hence, the use of these batteries is
depending on what the application desire.
DC batteries can only use direct current. Direct current flows in a
single direction and usually used to power up electronic devices such as
smartphones and laptops. On the other hand, AC batteries is more like a
converter that transform the DC current into AC current. It is an alternating
current which flows in two ways direction. Some applications that receive the
AC supply is the household appliances. The AC power source can also be
directly connected to the AC supplied appliances using wire or cable.
Figure 9: Li-ion Rechargeable Battery
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In this proposed project, the type of DC battery used to store the solar
energy is a rechargeable li-ion battery as shown in Figure 6. The rating is
3.7V, 3000mAh. This rechargeable li-ion battery can be charged, discharged,
and recharged repeatedly. It consists one or more electrochemical cells.
Even though this battery is quite expensive rather than a disposable battery,
the total cost to own it is lower and environmental-friendly. This is because
the battery is rechargeable without limit before it deteriorates.
3.6 Software
The software used in the proposed project is being introduced in this part.
This section states the details and elaborations of each of the software that
will be implemented for the development
3.6.1 Arduino IDE
Figure 10: Arduino IDE Logo
Arduino is a platform of an open-source prototyping. The main aim of this
platform is to create interactive electronic projects. Arduino offers both
hardware and software computation. This company designed and
manufactured a microcontroller board called Arduino UNO which it is now
universally beneficial for the invention of interactive devices.
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To operate the Arduino UNO, the commands need to be sent first.
Therefore, Arduino Integrated Development Environment (IDE) software is
invented to develop the command which known as coding. Arduino IDE is
applicable for Windows, Mac OS and Linux. The code languages of this
software is either C or C++. It is compatible with the microcontroller of the
Arduino UNO as the microcontroller has been programmed with the similar
languages.
3.6.2 Proteus 8 Professional
Figure 11: Proteus 8 Professional
Proteus is a Virtual System Modelling and circuit simulation
application. The suite combines mixed mode SPICE circuit simulation,
animated components and microprocessor models to facilitate co-simulation
of complete microcontroller-based designs.
Proteus also can simulate the interaction between software running on
a microcontroller and any analog or digital electronics connected to it. It
simulates Input / Output ports, interrupts, timers, USARTs and all other
peripherals present on each supported processor.
Proteus PCB tools seamlessly combines schematic capture and PCB
layout to provide a powerful, integrated and easy to use suite of tools for
professional PCB Design.
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Design, Test and Debug complete embedded systems inside Proteus
schematic capture before ordering a physical prototype. Proteus VSM brings
AGILE development to the embedded workflow.
IoT Builder Internet of things builder. A complete workflow for designing an
Arduino™ or Raspberry Pi® appliance and then controlling it remotely from a
phone or browser. Design, simulate and deploy directly from Proteus.
3.7 Project Gantt Chart
The Gantt charts show the flows and progress of the proposed project and
the development of the prototype in the time given.
Table 1: My FYP 1 Gantt Chart
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3.8 Expected Project Costing
Component Quantity Price (RM)
1 36.00
Arduino UNO
Small Solar panel 1 29.90
12v
Piezoelectric Drum 2 2.00
Li-ion Battery 3 25.50
Battery Casing 3 5.00
Train Model 1 80.00
Jumper Wires 3 sets 13.50
On-Off switch 1 1.50
LED 4 2.00
Resistors 4 4.00
Total Budgets 199.40
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3.9 Chapter Summary
Based on the details of the methods approach, the results of the proposed
project will successfully be achieved. Overall, this chapter is the body of the
proposed project which is very important. It needs to be fully understood to
meet the aims of the project
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CHAPTER 4: EXPECTED RESULT
4.1 Introduction
This chapter is the most crucial part as it will represent the expected
outcomes gained from this project. Some of the expected results is tabulated
and came out with a graph. The calculations are also included in this section.
4.2 Piezoelectric
The output results of prototype piezoelectric generator are affected by the
vibration frequency which is related to the train speed. The range of expected
results are
Output voltage: 5v – 15v
Output power: 0.05w - 0.1w
Resonant frequency: 20Hz – 50Hz
According to Shrimoyee P, Mohuya D, Debashree C, Abhinaba D, Debasis
M, (2017) [4], Voltage output from 1 piezo disc is 13V.
Based on, Yuan Tianchen, Yang Jian, Song Ruigang and Liu Xiaowei (2014)
[5], output power from the simulation and experiment were at 0.096w - 0.1w
Table 2: output power and voltage from Yuan T and all
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According to Bin Zhang, Mingxue Li, Shaoxuan Zhong, Zhichao He, Yufeng
Zhang, (2018) [1], the range of resonant frequency are from 45Hz-47Hz.
Table 3 : Resonant frequency by Bin zhang [ ]
4.3 Solar Panel
The output results of prototype solar generator are affected by the solar
irradiance. The range of output results of prototype solar panel are
presented.
Output voltage: 5v - 15v
Output power: 0.1w - 0.6w
Output current: 100mA - 150mA
The rated terminal voltage of a 12 Volt solar panel is usually expected around
17.0 Volts, but using a regulator, this voltage is reduced to around 13 to 15
Volts as required for battery charging. Solar panel output is affected by the
cell operating temperature.
According to Bin Zhang, Mingxue Li, Shaoxuan Zhong, Zhichao He, Yufeng
Zhang, (2018) [1], using solar panel the power output is 600mW and 150mA
for output current.
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4.4 Battery Capacity
Battery capacity is a measure of the charge stored by the battery (typically in
Amp-hr) and is determined by the mass of active material in the battery. The
capacity of the battery represents the maximum amount of energy that can
be extracted from the battery under specific conditions. However, the
battery's actual energy storage capabilities can vary significantly from the
"nominal" rated capacity, since the battery capacity strongly depends on the
battery's age and history, charging or discharging regimes, and temperature.
Equation of battery capacity
𝐵𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑦 𝑟𝑢𝑛−𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒 (ℎ)= 𝐵𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑦 𝑐𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 (𝑚𝐴ℎ)𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡 (𝑚𝐴) (4.1)
𝐵𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑦 𝑐𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 (𝑚𝐴ℎ)=𝐵𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑦 𝑟𝑢𝑛−𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒(ℎ)𝑥𝑅𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑑 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡(𝑚𝐴) (4.2)
If the expected rated current of selected battery is 3A, and time run is 1hour,
the expected battery capacity is,
𝐵𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑦 𝑐𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 (𝑚𝐴ℎ)= (1ℎ) (3000𝑚𝐴) =3000𝑚𝐴ℎ
4.5 Chapter Summary
All the expected results obtained have proved that this project is now relevant
to be implemented in the prototype. Overall, this chapter has justified the
project can functioning.
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CONCLUSION
In conclusion, this product able to serve as an alternative in harvesting
energy which is essential things nowadays. This paper studied the principles
of energy harvesting for railway track through establishing two types of
energy, solar and vibration. The idea of using vibration of passing train and
solar energy are more convenient compare to natural wind cannot provide
reliable power supply [5]. So, the wind's sheer instability and ambiguity are
the most vexing problems, which are not reliable or robust in some certain
circumstances such as windless. In line with the global vision to achieve
sustainable and green campus, this proposed idea supports the cause as this
project does not produce or emit any chemical that can pollute the
environment when in operation. The vision for next phase of this project
would be to produce much more improved, effective hybrid energy harvester
which is can supply the power to sensors around the railway tracks.
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References
[1] Bin Zhang, M. L. (2018). Design of a hybrid power system based on solar
cell and. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 012025.
[2] D A Howey, A. B. (20 july, 2011). Design and performance of a
centimetre-scale shrouded wind turbine for energy harvesting.
Retrieved from IOPScience:
https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/0964-1726/20/8/085021
[3] K, W. K. (13 January, 2011). Efficient solar energy harvester for wireless
sensor nodes. Retrieved from IEEE.org:
https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/5686355
[4] Shrimoyee Poddar, M. D. (2017). Footstep Voltage Generator using
Piezo-Electric Transducers. International Journal of Scientific &
Engineering Research, 117-120.
[5] Yuan Tianchen, Y. J. (12 November, 2014). Smart Materials and
Structures. Retrieved from IOPScience:
https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/0964-1726/23/12/125046
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