Book Title: Intelligent Systems
Editors: Dr. S.C. Vettivel, Dr. Leema Nelson and Dr. D. Poornima
ISBN: 978-81-979197-4-9
Chapter: 15
DOI: https://doi.org/10.59646/isc15/259
Authors:
Dr. T. Bramhananda Reddy, Professor, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, G. Pulla Reddy Engineering College (Autonomous), G. Pulla Reddy Nagar, Nandyal Road, Kurnool-518007, Andhra Pradesh, India.
A. Thiyagarajan, Assistant Professor, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Coimbatore Institute of Engineering and Technology, Vellimalaipattinam, Narasipuram (post), India.
Abstract
Energy harvesting is a transformative technology that captures and converts ambient energy from various sources, such as waste heat, vibrations, electromagnetic radiation, and sound waves, into usable electrical power. This technology is essential for enhancing energy efficiency and sustainability across multiple sectors, including industry, transportation, consumer electronics, smart infrastructure, and medical devices. Waste energy, which is typically lost during various processes, represents a significant untapped resource that, if harnessed effectively, can contribute to reducing reliance on non-renewable energy sources and lowering greenhouse gas emissions. This exploration begins by detailing the different types of waste energy, including thermal, mechanical, electromagnetic, acoustic, and chemical energy. Each type is associated with specific industrial, commercial, or natural processes, offering unique opportunities and challenges for energy recovery. For instance, thermal energy, commonly produced as waste heat in power plants and manufacturing facilities, can be captured using technologies like thermoelectric generators (TEGs) to generate electricity. Similarly, mechanical energy lost through vibrations in machinery and vehicles can be converted into electrical energy using piezoelectric materials. The industrial sector is identified as a significant source of waste energy, particularly through manufacturing processes and chemical reactions. The transportation sector also contributes to waste energy, mainly through the inefficiencies of internal combustion engines. Residential and commercial sectors produce waste energy through HVAC systems and electrical appliances, while natural sources like ocean waves and wind present additional opportunities for energy harvesting. Despite the potential of energy harvesting technologies, several challenges hinder their widespread adoption.