Modeling and Simulation of a Speed Breaker Power Generator

This study demonstrates the power generating performance and structural integrity of a speed breaker power generator, which is designed to generate power from road transportation. A model of the proposed system was designed with CATIA and simulated using ANSYS software. The system employs the principle of piezoelectric effect to convert the wasted kinetic energy of vehicles as they go over the speed breaker into useful electrical energy. The method adopted for this energy conversion utilizes the rack and pinion mechanism. Here, a rack and pinion are integrated beneath the speed breaker under the ground, in such a way that, as the vehicle passes over the speed bump, the linear displacement of the bump is converted by the rack into rotational motion In the pinion, and this was able to drive the shaft at the generator. Calculations and results show that the system could generate an average of 115.9 KW in 24 hours, with variation depending on the volume of traffic. Also, Structural analysis in the areas of stress levels and total deformation experienced by the system was carried out. The results obtained from ANSYS MECHANICAL justified the structural integrity of the system as safe for the stress and forces exerted on it by vehicular traffic. In conclusion, the power generated from this system proved capable of powering certain road electronic appliances like Streetlights, Traffic lights, and some LED displays, and this contributes to the development of sustainable energy resources, especially in Urban infrastructure.