• Member
• August 3, 2025

Roadmap for Vibration Energy Harvesting in Vehicles

 

This roadmap considers both piezoelectric and electromagnetic systems, and focuses on various locations within a vehicle where vibrations can be harvested.

 

Stage 1: Current State & Niche Applications (Present - 2027)

 

Focus: Low-power applications, monitoring, research & development of advanced materials.

Key Characteristics:

·       Limited Power Output: Primarily suitable for micro-electronic systems, sensors, and auxiliary functions.

·       Targeted Integration: Often retrofitted or developed for specific, less critical applications.

·       Material Science Focus: Ongoing research into more efficient and durable piezoelectric and electromagnetic materials.

Possibility Examples:

·       Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS): Integrating small piezoelectric or electromagnetic harvesters directly into tires to power TPMS sensors, eliminating the need for batteries.

o  Example: A major tire manufacturer collaborates with a university to develop a self-powered TPMS prototype using a flexible piezoelectric film integrated into the tire's inner lining.

·       Wireless Sensor Nodes for Structural Health Monitoring (SHM): Deploying vibration harvesters on vehicle chassis, suspension components, or engine mounts to power wireless sensors that monitor component fatigue, vibration levels, or temperature.

o  Example: A fleet management company tests trucks equipped with vibration-powered sensors on their suspension systems, allowing for predictive maintenance and reduced downtime.

·       Auxiliary Lighting (Small Scale): Small, localized harvesters powering LED indicators in the cabin or exterior non-critical lighting.

o  Example: A concept car showcases interior ambient lighting powered by vibrations from the dashboard or seats.

·       Battery Trickle Charging for Low-Power Devices: Supplementing the power of small batteries for infotainment systems, remote key fobs, or other low-draw electronics.

o  Example: A luxury car manufacturer integrates a small vibration harvester into the glove compartment to continuously charge a USB port for personal devices.

 

Stage 2: Enhanced Integration & Medium Power Applications (2028 - 2035)

 

Focus: Improved power density, integration into core vehicle systems, and expanding applications.

Key Characteristics:

·       Increased Power Output: Capable of powering a wider range of auxiliary systems, potentially contributing to EV range.

·       Optimized Design: Harvesters are designed as integral parts of vehicle components, not just add-ons.

·       Cost Reduction & Scalability: Manufacturing processes become more efficient, leading to lower costs.

Possibility Examples:

·       Self-Powered Suspension Systems: Regenerative shock absorbers and active suspension components that not only dampen vibrations but also convert them into substantial electrical energy. This could contribute directly to the vehicle's electrical system.

o  Example: An EV manufacturer launches a new model where the shock absorbers incorporate electromagnetic harvesters, recovering enough energy to extend the vehicle's range by 5-10%.

·       HVAC Fan and Blower Power: Harvesting vibrations from the engine bay or chassis to power parts of the HVAC system, reducing the load on the main battery.

o  Example: A commercial vehicle develops a system where the cooling fans for the battery pack are partially powered by vibration energy harvested from the vehicle's frame.

·       Noise Cancellation Systems: Utilizing vibration energy to power active noise cancellation systems within the cabin, enhancing passenger comfort.

o  Example: A premium sedan uses a combination of piezoelectric sensors and electromagnetic actuators powered by harvested vibrations to actively reduce road noise in the cabin.

·       Seat Vibration Harvesting for Passenger Comfort Features: Harnessing energy from occupant movement and seat vibrations to power small comfort features like seat massagers or localized heating elements.

o  Example: A long-haul bus incorporates piezoelectric elements in its seats to power USB charging ports for passengers.

 

Stage 3: High Power Contribution & Mainstream Adoption (2036 Onwards)

 

Focus: Significant energy contribution to the main propulsion system, widespread integration, and advanced smart systems.

Key Characteristics:

·       High Efficiency & Robustness: Harvesters operate with high efficiency across a wide range of vibration frequencies and amplitudes, with exceptional durability.

·       Integrated Power Management: Sophisticated electronics manage and convert harvested energy for optimal integration with the vehicle's main power grid.

·       Standard Feature: Vibration energy harvesting becomes a common feature in most vehicle segments, especially EVs.

Possibility Examples:

·       Direct Contribution to EV Drivetrain: Vibration energy harvesting contributes a measurable percentage (e.g., 1-3%) directly to the vehicle's main battery, significantly boosting range.

o  Example: A long-range electric truck uses a combination of advanced electromagnetic suspension harvesters and robust piezoelectric road-contact elements to recover a significant amount of kinetic energy, adding crucial miles to its journey without external charging.

·       Self-Healing and Adaptive Structures: Vehicle components with integrated vibration harvesters that also function as self-monitoring and even self-healing structures, using the harvested energy to power micro-actuators for repairs or adjustments.

o  Example: An autonomous vehicle detects a micro-crack in its chassis through embedded vibration sensors, and a self-repairing polymer is activated, powered by the vehicle's ambient vibrations.

·       Dynamic Road-Vehicle Interaction Harvesting: Vehicles and smart road infrastructure communicate to optimize energy harvesting from road vibrations, potentially generating power for both the vehicle and the grid.

o  Example: Smart highways incorporate piezoelectric elements that sync with passing vehicles, optimizing energy transfer from the road into the vehicle's harvesting systems.

·       Integrated Body Panels with Harvesting Capabilities: Vehicle body panels or underbody components seamlessly integrate vibration harvesting capabilities, acting as large-area energy generators.

o  Example: A future EV features lightweight body panels that subtly flex and vibrate, generating supplemental power for the vehicle's various systems.

This roadmap highlights the progression from current research and niche applications to a future where vibration energy harvesting plays a crucial role in enhancing vehicle efficiency and sustainability. The key lies in continuous innovation in materials science, system integration, and power management to overcome the challenges of low power output and varying vibration conditions.

 India has a strong and growing research landscape in the field of energy harvesting, including significant work on vibration energy harvesting for vehicles. Here are some of the key institutions and researchers involved:

Leading Institutions

Several Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and other prominent research organizations are at the forefront of this research:

• Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs):

• IIT Madras: Has a prominent "Vibration Energy Harvesting and Control Lab" (VCEHL) within its Department of Applied Mechanics.1 Researchers here are actively working on various aspects of vibration energy harvesting, including for vehicles, and also explore hybrid solutions (e.g., combining electromagnetic and piezoelectric principles).2
  
  

• IIT Kanpur: The Department of Sustainable Energy Engineering and the Department of Aerospace Engineering are involved in research related to energy harvesting, including new materials and devices.

• IIT Bombay: Known for its work in materials science and renewable energy, including research on piezoelectric materials and energy storage.

• IIT Kharagpur: Also a key player in mechanical and electrical engineering research, with faculty engaged in various energy harvesting projects.

• National Institute of Technology (NITs): Several NITs, such as NIT Rourkela, are also conducting research in this area, often focusing on specific applications or material developments.

• CSIR (Council of Scientific and Industrial Research) Labs:

• CSIR - Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute (CMERI): Their Energy Research and Technology Group focuses on various energy-related R&D, and some of their work aligns with mechanical energy harvesting.3
  
  

• CSIR - National Institute For Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST): Their Centre for Sustainable Energy Technologies (C-SET) is a dedicated hub for energy generation, storage, and management.4
  
  

• CSIR - Central Electronics Engineering Research Institute (CEERI): Engaged in research on renewable energy with IoT and developing electronic systems, which can involve energy harvesting.

• Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO): While primarily focused on defense applications, DRDO labs (like ARDE or NSTL) also conduct research on "Power Harvesting Technologies" for various systems, which can include vibration.5
  
  

• Other Universities: Many other universities across India have individual research groups or faculty members working on vibration energy harvesting, often in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, or materials science departments. Examples include Andhra University College of Engineering (Visakhapatnam) and G.H. Raisoni College of Engineering (Nagpur).6
  
  

Notable Researchers (Examples and Areas of Focus)

It's challenging to provide an exhaustive list, as research is dynamic, but here are some examples of researchers and their areas of contribution based on recent publications and lab information:

• Dr. Shaikh Faruque Ali (IIT Madras):7 A prominent researcher in the field, leading the Vibration Energy Harvesting and Control Lab (VCEHL) at IIT Madras.8 His work spans structural dynamics, vibrations of rotating structures, and energy harvesting, including for wearable devices and potentially vehicle applications. He is known for exploring hybrid electromagnetic and piezoelectric systems.
  
  

• Naga Sudha Rani Behara and Prof. Putti Srinivasa Rao (Andhra University College of Engineering):9 Have published research on "Vibration energy harvesting using telescopic suspension system for conventional two-wheeler and EV," demonstrating practical applications and comparisons between conventional and electric bikes.10
  
  

• Pranjal Ghormare (G.H. Raisoni College of Engineering, Nagpur):11 Has contributed to research on "Development of Energy Harvesting Device to Utilize the Vibrational Energy of the Vehicle Suspension Systems," focusing on piezoelectric transducers for vehicle vibrations.
  
  

• Dr. Boby George (IIT Madras, Electrical Engineering): Involved in research on electromagnetic transducers for harvesting kinetic (vibration) energy.

• Prof. Rudra Pratap (Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore - CeNSE):12 While his broader work is on MEMS/NEMS devices, his lab at IISc also focuses on "Vibrational Energy Harvesting," particularly using piezoelectric resonant cantilevers for low-power applications like micro-sensors, which have relevance to vehicle sensor networks.
  
  

• Researchers at NIT Rourkela: Anwesa Mohanty, Suraj Parida, Rabindra Kumar Behera, and Tarapada Roy have co-authored review papers on vibration energy harvesting, indicating active research in this area within the institution.13
  
  

Research Trends in India

Indian researchers are actively exploring:

• Piezoelectric Materials: Developing new and more efficient piezoelectric materials, including composites and nanostructures, for better energy conversion from vibrations.14
  
  

• Electromagnetic Systems: Designing and optimizing electromagnetic harvesters, particularly for larger scale applications like suspension systems.

• Hybrid Harvesters: Combining different harvesting principles (e.g., piezoelectric and electromagnetic) to broaden the frequency response and maximize power output.15
  
  

• Application-Specific Designs: Tailoring harvester designs for specific vehicle components like suspension, tires, and chassis to maximize energy capture.

• Low-Power Electronics Integration: Researching efficient power management circuits and storage solutions to effectively utilize the often small amounts of harvested energy for sensors and auxiliary systems.

• Modeling and Simulation: Utilizing advanced computational tools to model and optimize the performance of energy harvesting devices.

The research ecosystem in India, with its strong engineering and science institutions, is well-positioned to make significant contributions to the advancement of vibration energy harvesting technology, especially for its large and growing automotive market.