Wireless tyre condition monitoring system self-powered by means of energy harvesting

A self-energized Tyre Condition Monitoring System (TCMS) based on direct strain energy harvester was modelled, designed and tested in this research. This research went through three main stages. A micro capacitive absolute pressure sensor suited for tyre inflation pressure measurement was modelled theoretically and numerically. A vibration based energy harvester and a direct strain energy harvester were modelled, designed, tested and compared. In the final stage, the energy harvester with the higher efficiency and energy density was employed to power the designed TCMS. The main feature that differentiates the designed TCMS from other TPMSs in the markets is its energy self-sufficiency -neither internal battery nor external power supply is needed. It has an operating lifespan which far exceeds that of Lithium batteries which have a lifespan of 5 to 7 years at best with fluctuating energy density due to environmental conditions, It can operate long enough to cover the lifespan of an average passenger vehicle pneumatic tyre (20k -80k miles). Such system also has the advantage of avoiding the environmental impact associated with using and disposing of Lithium batteries in terms of both health concerns and battery disposal costs