Abstract

This research aims to seek the current status of piezoelectric energy harvesting technology in running vehicles and its life cycle assessment. The goal is to assess the piezoelectric value to be considered as a future reliable energy source for vehicles which rely on results from prototype demonstrations. Piezoelectric materials can transfer mechanical energy into electrical energy. This kind of energy can be stored and used for other devices. In this case, piezoelectric materials have the potential to provide reliable and cost effective replacement of energy sources. Thus, it can ulti- mately have potential to replace the battery and reduce user costs. This project evaluates the future potential of piezoelectric energy harvesting technology in cars and their environmental impacts. The use of piezoelectric materials in pneumatic tires enables capturing waste energy of cars because of deformations in the tire and weight of the vehicle as well. In the experimental phase a set-up was designed to simulate movement and pressure inside the contact patch of a given car. Outside of the model tire, piezoelectric elements were used to harness energy. Experimental results were compared to a research found in the literature. Comparison showed that this method harvests more energy. Based on the experimental results, this method produced 2.31 w for 56 piezo elements com- parable to 2.3 w for 160 piezo elements found in the literature.
Environmental impacts of these kinds of resources of renewable energy were considered through a life cycle assessment study. The results of the research showed that further evaluation of technol- ogy is required to measure the durability and lifetime of piezoelectric materials. Anyway, to have cleaner and more sustainable forms of energy, it is required to keep costs lower and insure a health- ier environment for the next generation.
Keywords: Piezoelectric, energy harvesting, waste energy, car, tires, Life cycle assessment