Experimental analysis of piezoelectric transducers applications for energy harvesting pavement

Laboratory tests was conducted to investigate the applicability of embedded piezoelectric transducers for energy harvesting pavement system consisting of concrete slabs, transducers, thin overlay, etc. And the transducers embedment, bonding condition, and thin overlay on the structural responses and energy output of the system were investigated. The strains in the slab bottom, the faulting and electrical output of transducers were compared and discussed. The results showed that the embedment has no significant effect on the structural responses. Besides, the output power improved from 3.4 mW to 4.0 mW after the interface was treated, and no faulting and visual damage were found under 100,000 loadings. It indicates good bonding conditions of slab can improved the electrical performance and service performance. Although the 2 cm thin overlay can protect the transducer from wearing and water damage, electrical output presents more than 10% decreases with the stress decreases. Hence, the overlay's thickness should be limited to balance the durability and energy harvesting efficiency.