Acoustic energy harvesting using piezoelectric generator for railway environmental noise

Abstract

High-speed trains have a sustained high-noise level for long periods during operation. Although such high-noise levels are effective for acoustic energy harvesting, a practical design for an acoustic energy harvesting system from a high-speed train is lacking. In this study, the design of an energy harvesting system was implemented utilizing noise from a high-speed train during practical operation. We investigated the noise generated from a high-speed train and derived the characteristics of the main noise sources. The results confirmed that low-frequency noise of 50–200 Hz was generated in the passenger, cab, and between car sections. Results from this investigation were used to design a Helmholtz resonator for a target noise of 174 Hz based on a theoretical model. Moreover, numerical simulation was conducted using sound source speakers to investigate vibrations in the walls of the resonator. Finally, energy harvesting experiments were conducted using various types of piezoelectric elements such as rectangular and circular plates. Experimental results indicate that approximately 0.7 V was generated for an incident sound pressure level of 100 dB using a large rectangular plate. Such power level is sufficient to power a variety of low-power electric devices.