NUST Institutions Library Catalogue

From the day first of invention of fuel engines, its lower efficiency and environmental concerns
were always problematic. Only 30-40% of total heat energy of fuels is used in engines for
mechanical work and rest of all is lost. Vibrational energy of shocks can be converted to
electrical energy by means of some mechanical setup. This setup will consist of a to-and-fro
motion to rotary motion convertor. An alternator will be deployed that will be powered by this
rotary motion caused by suspension system and it will ultimately power the battery or the
accessories directly. Aim of the project was to design a testing rig so that the variable data of
vibrational amplitude can be applied to the shock absorber along with the power harvesting
mechanism for experimental analysis. To test all that setup a testing rig was be designed that
will be equipped with shock absorber, a motion converting mechanism, an alternator and a
pneumatic actuator that will be a tool for applying real time obtained data. It was not possible
to apply variable data with the cam follower mechanism, so a pneumatic cylinder is used along
with power supply. To apply data acquired automatically, Arduino is used along with MOSFET
and SD card module. Energy harvested was calculated and the effect on the stiffness of shock
absorber after adding power harvesting mechanism is also analyzed.