Authors : S. P. Bhuyarkar; Rohit S. Mendhe; Shekhar R. Meshram; Megha D. Shiwarkar; Rohit S. Lanjewar; Durgesh V. Choudhari; Anuradha O. Nishad; Nikhil V. Charde

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 4 - April

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/3ub8p8m8

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DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26apr1186

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : The increasing global demand for sustainable and decentralized energy solutions has accelerated research into energy harvesting technologies across various domains, including transportation systems. Railway networks, characterized by continuous motion and high mechanical energy availability, present significant opportunities for energy recovery. This review paper provides a comprehensive analysis of existing energy harvesting techniques in railway systems, with particular emphasis on power generation from train wheel rotation. The study examines key approaches such as regenerative braking, vibration-based piezoelectric systems, and axle-driven generator mechanisms. Each technique is evaluated based on operational feasibility, energy output, system complexity, and practical limitations. Special attention is given to wheel-based energy harvesting systems due to their continuous operation and adaptability for low-power applications. A comparative assessment highlights the advantages and constraints of different methodologies, revealing that while regenerative systems offer high efficiency in electrified networks, axle-based systems provide a more practical solution for localized energy generation in both electrified and non-electrified environments. The paper further identifies critical research gaps, including the lack of real-time experimental validation, insufficient efficiency optimization, and limited focus on system integration challenges. The findings suggest that hybrid energy harvesting systems and improved mechanical-electrical coupling designs hold strong potential for future development. This review aims to provide a structured foundation for researchers and engineers working toward efficient and sustainable energy harvesting solutions in railway applications.

Keywords : Energy Harvesting, Railway Systems, Train Wheel Power Generation, Axle-Driven Generator, Sustainable Energy, Mechanical Energy Conversion, Regenerative Systems.

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