Advances in energy harnessing techniques for smart highways: a review

This review paper examines the burgeoning field of energy harvesting on highways, consolidating insights from various technologies: piezoelectric, thermoelectric, pyroelectric, electromagnetic, and solar. By summarising and comparing multiple papers, this review provides a valuable resource for researchers, engineers, and policymakers. The surveyed papers encompass theoretical modelling and practical experiments, showcasing the feasibility of highway energy harvesting. Some works introduce innovative ideas, expanding the field’s boundaries. This review presents concise overviews of each technology’s principles, workings, challenges, as well as their respective pros and cons. By offering a balanced assessment, it informs future research, investment, and policy decisions. The convergence of these technologies on highways offers a pathway to a more sustainable and efficient transportation system, minimising environmental impact while generating valuable energy resources. This review contributes to the dialogue on energy sustainability and infrastructure development.