Energy Harvesting from Moving Vehicles: A Compressed-Air-Based Hybrid System for Electricity Generation

Dr. Jai Prakash Kushwah; Suraj Pratap Singh Kushwah

doi:10.53724/lrd/v9n4.5

Authors

Dr. Jai Prakash Kushwah Advocate, M.P. High Court, Gwalior, Ph.D. (Law an Inter-disciplinary Research), Ph.D. (Geographical Crime a Multidisciplinary Research), DLIL, LL.B., LL.M.(Medallist), B.Sc. (Maths), MA (English), MA(Geography), IGD Bombay, EGD Bombay, India. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0618-363X
Suraj Pratap Singh Kushwah Advocate, M.P. High Court, Gwalior, LL.B., LL.M. (Gold Medallist), B.E. (Electronic Communication), CLAT Meritorious.) India. https://orcid.org/0009-0001-8599-1397

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53724/lrd/v9n4.5

Keywords:

Energy harvesting, pneumatic turbine, sustainable electricity generation, compressed air storage, renewable energy systems, vehicle-induced energy, smart road infrastructure, hybrid power technology, kinetic energy conversion

Abstract

The rapid increase in vehicular population and the growing demand for clean, renewable energy have highlighted the need for innovative technologies capable of harvesting wasted mechanical energy. This study explores a novel compressed-air-based hybrid system designed to capture and convert kinetic energy from moving vehicles into electrical power. The proposed mechanism operates through an embedded pressure-responsive platform integrated into road surfaces. As vehicles pass over the surface, downward force drives a pneumatic compression assembly that stores pressurized air in reinforced cylinders. The stored compressed air is subsequently released through an air turbine coupled with an electric generator, converting pneumatic energy into usable electrical output. Experimental simulations and prototype analysis demonstrate that even moderate traffic flow can generate meaningful energy output, particularly in urban, industrial, highway, and toll-plaza environments. The system offers advantages such as low maintenance, modular installation, environmental sustainability, and integration with smart-grid infrastructure. The findings indicate that compressed-air energy harvesting from vehicular motion is technically feasible and economically viable as a supplementary renewable energy solution. Further optimization in material design, turbine efficiency, and pressure management can enhance long-term performance and scalability. This research contributes to the advancement of sustainable road infrastructure and supports the global transition to green energy systems.

References

Dindorf, R., & Takosoglu, J. (2025). Review of Energy-Efficient Pneumatic Propulsion Systems in Vehicle Applications. Energies, 18(17), 4688. https://doi.org/10.3390/en18174688

Korbut, M., et al. (2021). A Review of Compressed Air Engine in the Vehicle Propulsion System. Acta Mechanica et Automatica, 15(4), 215 226. https://doi.org/10.2478/ama-2021-0028

Zhang, Y., Lai, Q., Wang, J., & Lü, C. (2022). Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting from Roadways under Open-Traffic Conditions: Analysis and Optimization with Scaling Law Method. Energies, 15(9), 3395. https://doi.org/10.3390/en15093395

Zhang, H., Qin, W., Zhou, Z., Zhu, P., & Du, W. (2023). Piezomagnetoelastic energy harvesting from bridge vibrations using bi-stable characteristics. Energy, 263, 125859. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.energy.2022.125859

Dindorf, R., Takosoglu, J., & Wos, P. (2023). Review of Compressed Air Receiver Tanks for Improved Energy Efficiency of Various Pneumatic Systems. Energies. https://doi.org/10.3390/en16104153

Fang, Y., Lu, Y., Roskilly, A. P., & Yu, X. (2021). A review of compressed air energy systems in vehicle transport. Energy Strategy Reviews, 33, 100583. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.esr.2020.100583