Center for Energy, University of Pittsburgh

Rising to the energy challenge and
positioning our region for the future.

Energy Harvesting for Machinery Diagnostics

William Clark, George Kusic, Laura Schaefer

Concept

This work is an investigation of the potential power that can be generated from the thermal and vibration waste energy of a motor. Piezoelectric and thermoelectric energy harvesting techniques can be applied to determine a sample rig's possible voltage and current outputs.

Application and Benefits

By using waste energy, backup sensor data can be collected and transmitted from remote or hazardous locations. The major benefits are:

generation of continuous sensing data without a parasitic power draw,
detection of system malfunction through energy activation, and
application in remote or difficult to reach locations.

Technical Approach

Fabricate piezoelectric beams.
Test various beam configurations.
Model potential thermoelectric output.
Verify thermoelectric models through testing.
Connect energy harvesters to circuits.

Collaborations

Research Team

William Clark
George Kusic
Laura Schaefer

Industry Partners

Bechtel Bettis

Contact

Laura Schaefer
Assistant Professor
University of Pittsburgh
Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science
412-624-9793