Magnetic Field Energy Harvesting in Railway

英文摘要：

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.