INNOVATION IN RENEWABLE ENERGY SYSTEMS: THE USE OF PIEZOELECTRIC SENSORS ON RAILWAY TRACKS FOR HARVESTING VIBRATION ENERGY

Abstract

The development of green energy focuses on utilizing environmentally friendly energy sources, such as solar, wind, biomass, and geothermal energy, to address climate change and resource scarcity. In this context, the use of piezoelectric technology for energy harvesting from vibrations and mechanical pressure generated by vehicles or trains shows significant potential as a sustainable energy solution. Piezoelectric technology offers a sustainable energy solution by harvesting energy from mechanical pressure and vibrations produced by vehicles. This system is effective in providing electricity for signaling and electronic equipment at level crossings, particularly in locations far from the main power grid, by utilizing the pressure or vibrations generated by vehicle weight to produce electrical voltage through the polarization changes in piezoelectric materials. This research employs a descriptive method with a quantitative, experiment-based approach. In this study, a train configuration consisting of eight carriages and one locomotive was assumed, where each carriage weighs 35 tons, and the locomotive weighs 78 tons. Based on the calculations, this train setup is capable of generating 5.549 kWh of electrical energy. If 20 train sets pass through daily, the electrical energy generated would reach 11.098 kWh per day. This energy is used to support signaling systems, lighting, and other electronic equipment around the level crossings. The implementation not only enhances sustainability by utilizing renewable energy sources but also reduces reliance on external electricity supplies. The use of piezoelectric technology offers a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution by harnessing renewable energy sources. This system is capable of reducing dependence on external electricity while simultaneously improving operational efficiency and railway safety, particularly at level crossings.