Energy neutral operation of vibration energy-harvesting sensor networks for bridge applications

greatly benefit from the use of wireless sensor networks (WSNs), however energy harvesting for the operation of the network remains a challenge in this setting. While solar and wind power are possible and credible solutions to energy generation, the need for positioning sensor nodes in shaded and sheltered locations, e.g., under a bridge deck, is also often precluding their adoption in real-world deployments. In some scenarios vibration energy harvesting has been shown as an effective solution, instead. This paper presents a multihop vibration energy-harvesting WSN system for bridge applications. The system relies on an ultra-low power wireless sensor node, driven by a novel vibration based energy-harvesting technology. We use a receiver-initiated routing protocol to enable energy-efficient and reliable connectivity between nodes with different energy charging capabilities. By combining real vibration data with an experimentally validated model of the vibration energy harvester, a hardware model, and the COOJA simulator, we develop a framework to conduct realistic and repeatable experiments to evaluate the system before on-site deployment. Simulation results show that the system is able to maintain energy neutral operation, preserving energy with careful management of sleep and communication times. We also validate the system through a laboratory experiment on real hardware against real vibration data collected from a bridge. Besides providing general guidelines and considerations for the development of vibration energy-harvesting systems for bridge applications, this work highlights the limitations of the energy budget made available by traffic-induced vibrations, which clearly shrink the applicability of vibration energy-harvesting technology for WSNs to applications that do not generate an overwhelming amounts of data

Monitoring of concrete bridge using robotic total station

Structural deformation monitoring is used to collect data on geometrical changes that occur within a structure. There are several techniques to carry out structural deformations monitoring surveys. The case study used in this the Sultan Idris Shah Bridge. It was constructed in 1907 and has required extensive maintenance on multiple occasions. This bridge is a vital transit route that is utilised daily by residents to move between Ipoh's old and modern towns. Due to these factors, including the bridge's age, traffic volume, and a strong water current beneath the bridge, it was anticipated that this structure would deform. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to explore the suitability of Robotic Total Station for monitoring concrete bridges deformation. The Sultan Idris Shah Bridge experienced deformation ranging from 1.3 cm to 4.2 cm, according to the findings. The study is based on two epochs of observation with a duration of three months. Monitoring points on the bridge's left side experienced deformation in a south-west direction, whereas monitoring points on the bridge's right-side experienced deformation in a north-west direction. The Robotic Total Station (RTS) employed in this study demonstrates that geometrical movement may be detected with centimetre-level accuracy. The findings propose a technique for future monitoring efforts that might be used to guide the application of RTS in structural monitoring

Energy Harvesting on New Jersey Roadways

NJDOT TO 361The project is to identify energy harvesting applications on roadways and bridges and conduct feasibility analysis and performance evaluation for large-scale and micro-scale energy generation. Solar energy harvesting can be achieved using different assets of roadway. The technical and economic feasibility of solar array in the right-of-way (ROW) was presented. Photovoltaic Noise Barriers (PVNBs) integrate solar panels with noise barriers to harvest solar energy while abating noise from the highway. The energy estimation models were first developed at project level and then used for state-level analysis, respectively, for top-mounted tilted, top-mounted bifacial, and shingles built-on designs of PVNB. On the other hand, piezoelectric energy harvesting can be achieved by compression or vibration modes. The new designs of vibration-based energy harvesters are proposed under multi-frequency bridge vibrations. A multiple degree-of-freedom (DOF) cantilever design concept was developed and tested in the laboratory. The optimized design was demonstrated and validated in full-scale tests for vibration-based energy harvesting. The research outcome provides recommendations for future implementation of energy harvesting in the roadway and bridge network of New Jersey for development of sustainable and smart transportation infrastructure