Journal #4 Wireless train sensor harvests vibrational energy

Journal #4 Wireless train sensor harvests vibrational energy

 Seeing the articles updated in Energy Harvesting Journal, we can know the interest about 'sensor system' is increasing recently. Especially when it comes to the application of energy harvesting technique, sensor system is one of the most hot spot.

 In the journal is the wireless train sensor developed by Perpetuum and Southeastern Railways. As sensors, it is made to monitor the conditions of railways and trains. It collects the information of temperature and vibration and the information is sent for analysis. And thanks to the data, people can know the progression of the wear, detect the change and prevent the accident.

 However, the wireless train sensor is different with all other sensors in that it harvests energy and use this energy to operate itself. Perpetuum is first to introduce the system that is powered by energy harvested from vibration. According to the Perpetuum president, thanks to this system, rail asset life can be extended, operational function can be increased and safety can also be improved.

 Technology of vibration energy harvesting is the key technology of Perpetuum and they use the energy in brilliant way, to power the sensor system. Especially, the railway where there is abundant vibration, the effect of the technology will be increased.

 Though there is no specific mentions about the technology, the company might use the piezoelectric or triboeletric energy harvesting technique to harvest energy from vibration.

 As so many machines and techniques make human life convenient, there increases the need for monitoring the systems more carefully. I think the energy harvesting technique can be a solution for many other health and security monitoring in the future.

Read more at: http://www.energyharvestingjournal.com/articles/wireless-train-sensor-harvests-vibrational-energy-00006734.asp