Cyclic strain rate in tyres as power source to augment automobile autonomy

The strain rate that takes place in the belts of tyres during automobile movement is proposed for converting mechanical energy into electricity. This paper describes how cyclic strain in tyres can be used for exciting piezoelectric materials placed in contact with the inner side of the tyre belt. Stress strain in tyre belts is caused by total mass weight in equilibrium with a pressurising condition. Under this condition, one section of the tyre in contact with the pavement deforms gradually until a maximum is reached, followed by a smooth release. The effect is continuous during each cycle of tyre rotation. Numerical simulations based on the finite element method were conducted for calculating the stress in composite materials that reproduce a combination of tyre belt–piezoelectric polymer films. Results were obtained for different conditions of velocity and automobile total mass. The piezoelectric material was sectioned into elements that cover the entire belt interior, leading to continuous generation o...