1. Magnetic Field Energy Harvesting in Railway
- Author
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Espe, Asbjørn Engmark, Haugan, Thomas S., and Mathisen, Geir
- Subjects
Electrical Engineering and Systems Science - Systems and Control ,Electrical Engineering and Systems Science - Signal Processing - Abstract
Magnetic field energy harvesting (MFEH) is a method by which a system can harness an ambient, alternating magnetic field in order to scavenge energy. Presented in this article is a novel application of the concept aimed at the magnetic fields surrounding the rail current in electrified railway. Due to its non-invasive nature, the approach has the potential to be widely deployed as part of low-cost trackside condition monitoring systems in order to increase lifetime and reduce maintenance requirements. In this work, the viability of MFEH in railway is substantiated experimentally -- two different configurations are assessed both in a controlled laboratory environment, as well as in situ along Norwegian railway. When placed near an emulated section of railway carrying 200 A in the laboratory, the power output of the system is up to 40.5 mW at 50 Hz and 4.15 mW at 16 2/3 Hz. In the field, the prototype system harvests 109 mJ from a single freight train passing by, rendering an estimated daily energy output of 1.14 J in a moderately-trafficked location. It is argued that the approach could indeed eliminate the need for battery replacements, and potentially increase the lifetime of an energy-efficient, battery-powered condition monitoring system indefinitely., Comment: Accepted for publication to IEEE Transactions on Power Electronics
- Published
- 2020
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