An alternative energy source for interior accessories

100 Pages·2013·4.2 MB·English

An alternative energy source for interior
accessories

- Harvesting vibration energy to power step-in-spline lights
Master of Science Thesis

Matti Halonen

Department of Product and Production development
Division of Product development
Chalmers University of Technology
Gothenburg, Sweden 2012

An alternative energy source for interior accessories
Harvesting vibration energy to power step-in-spline lights

Matti Halonen

Department of Product and Production development
Division of Product development
Chalmers University of Technology

Gothenburg, Sweden 2012
An alternative energy source for interior accessories
Harvesting vibration energy to power step-in-spline lights
MATTI HALONEN

© MATTI HALONEN, 2012.

Department of Product and Production development
Division of Product development
Chalmers University of Technology
SE-412 96 Göteborg
Sweden
Telephone + 46 (0)31-772 1000
Cover: A digitally produced image that shows an illuminated step-in-spline within the chassis
of a Volvo V60
Reproservice
Göteborg, Sweden 2012
Abstract
This report describes the development work of examining an alternative way of powering lights within
a step-in-spline is. More specifically the purpose of the project was to analyze the possibility of having
a piezoelectric energy harvester within the step-in-spline in order to make the system a closed plug-
and-play product. What became evident during the literature studies was that the current state of
piezoelectric development is in a stage where almost every new application requires a custom-tailored
solution in order to work within the intended environment. Further the project itself made clear the
area of perfecting a piezoelectric solution requires knowledge within a wide range of sub-disciplines.
These factors resulted in a project that from the early beginning until the very end had to be balanced
between theory and practical testing in order to make the best choices along the development path.
The project resulted in a proof-of-principle prototype that shows the potential in having a piezoelectric
energy harvesting system implemented within a step-in-spline. The result provides an approximation
of how much energy a piezoelectric solution could scavenge from the ambient vibrations that
originates from different road conditions when driving a Volvo V60. These ending test-results shows
that piezoelectricity is a viable option when designing the power supply of less power demanding
electronic components that otherwise proves difficult to power in traditional ways. The project was
heavily focused on the step-in-spline, but should be seen as guidance and supporting tool when
developing other small scale electronics struggling with power supply issues.

Keywords: Interior accessories, Piezo, Piezoelectricity, Power harvesting, PZT, Self-powered, Sill
moulding, Step-in-spline, Vibration energy harvesting

Preface
This report is the result of a technical investigation that was aimed to lower the assembling
and support costs of an interior accessory.
The project was outlined as a master’s thesis of 30p at Chalmers University of Technology in
Gothenburg, Sweden, and is a result of collaboration between Chalmers University of
Technology, Rücker Nord AB and Volvo Car Corporation.
First of all would like to thank my supervisors; Peter Aminoff (Rücker Nord AB), Göran
Brännare (Product Development, Chalmers University of Technology) and Stefan Hill
(Interior Accessories, Volvo Car Corporation) who has offered me support when I have
needed it the most and inspired to progression throughout the project.
I would also like to thank Jan Möller (Applied Mechanics, Chalmers University of
Technology) for invaluable discussions and insights. Furthermore a special thank you is given
to Ann-Charlotte Kårhag for assistance at the test track (Analysis & Validation Engineer at
Interior Accessories, Volvo Car Corporation).
Finally I would like to thank my family, friends and beloved girlfriend who have supported
me during my entire study time at Chalmers.
Gothenburg, November 2012
Matti Halonen