The 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.NJDOT Research
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