Self-Powered Sensing System to Detect
Deterioration of Bridges
Self-Powered Sensing System to Detect
Deterioration of Bridges
We are developing a self-powered vibration-sensing system that could diagnose the structural health of road bridges without an external power source. The core component of the system is the novel vibration-sensing device utilizing a magnetostrictive material that acts as both a vibration sensor and power generator.
- Affiliation:
- Kansai University
Faculty of Engineering Science
- Representative:
- Shinji Koganezawa
Professor,
Kansai University
Faculty of Engineering Science,
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Shinji Koganezawa
Specializes in mechatronics. he has been engaged in research on mechanism and control of hard disks at Fujitsu Limited since 1991, and has been working at Kansai University since 2012.
SOLUTIONMethods for solving social issues
Bridge Deterioration Detection System Sends Regular Reports on the Health of Bridges
According to a survey by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport in Japan, sufficient inspection and maintenance of the transportation infrastructure are not always conducted because of inadequate budget and a lack of professional workers. Considering that the Japanese population is in decline, it will become increasingly difficult to accomplish sufficient maintenance of the entire transportation infrastructure by manpower in the future; this is considered a social problem.
To solve this problem, we are developing a self-powered vibration-based structural health monitoring system (SVSHM). The core part of the system is the novel vibration-sensing device, which is a dual-use device used that can serve as a vibration sensor and power generator. When the bridge vibrates, the voltage is generated in the coil. The bridge vibration is detected by monitoring the induced voltage. Subsequently, the SVSHM analyzes the possibility of damage occurrence. The analyzed results will be transferred via wireless communication. Additionally, the device can be used as a power generator to supply power to a storage battery. The storage power is used to drive the electric circuit of the SVSHM. Therefore, the system requires neither power-supply wiring nor batteries. Thus, a maintenance-free system can be constructed.
ORIGINALITYUniqueness, Passion for Development
Self-Powered Vibration Sensor
This unique method has the advantage that it can be easily applied to existing bridges, since it only requires installation between the piers and bridge girders and does not require extensive electrical work. Bridge managers can periodically receive diagnostic results from the system and monitor the results to select bridges that need to be inspected in detail, thus greatly improving the efficiency of maintenance management.
VISIONDream, Outlook, Business Image
We Aim for a System that Can be Used Worldwide
In Japan, sufficient inspection and maintenance of the transportation infrastructure are not always conducted because of inadequate budget and professional workers; many countries are facing similar problems. Therefore, our goal is the system will be used around the world.
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