Vibrational Energy Harvesting for Nigeria’s Smart Infrastructure: A Quantitative Micro-Generation Study

Abstract

Nigeria continues to face persistent electricity supply challenges despite abundant renewable energy resources. While research and policy efforts have largely focused on macro-scale solutions such as solar and hydropower, decentralized micro-energy technologies remain underexplored. This study investigates the vibrational energy potential in Nigeria through the harvesting of ambient mechanical excitation arising from pedestrian footfall, vehicular traffic, and industrial machinery operations. Using a mass-spring-damper modelling framework coupled with piezoelectric conversion principles, realistic Nigerian activity profiles were analyzed to estimate achievable electrical outputs under typical environmental conditions. Results indicate that high-density pedestrian environments can generate continuous power in the range of 5-7 W per installation site, while traffic-induced vibration along major transport corridors may yield up to 10 W. Industrial facilities, characterised by persistent machinery oscillations, demonstrate the highest stability with potential outputs reaching 25 W. When scaled across multiple deployment locations such as markets, transport hubs, and industrial zones, the cumulative annual energy potential approaches 15,800 kWh. Although this output remains insufficient for bulk electricity supply, its distributed nature makes it highly suitable for powering low-energy infrastructure including wireless sensor networks, smart lighting systems, environmental monitoring devices, and predictive maintenance technologies. The findings suggest that vibrational energy harvesting can play a complementary role within Nigeria’s renewable energy ecosystem by enhancing energy autonomy at the device and infrastructure level. Its passive operation, minimal environmental impact, and compatibility with existing urban activity patterns position it as a viable component of future smart infrastructure and decentralized energy strategies.

Keywords: Vibrational energy harvesting, Piezoelectric systems, Decentralized energy, Smart infrastructure, Urban energy systems, Micro-generation, Nigeria, Ambient mechanical vibration, Renewable energy integration

Citation: Akinremi. B.V. (2026). Vibrational Energy Harvesting for Nigeria’s Smart Infrastructure: A Quantitative Micro-Generation Study. Journal of Education, Science and Technology, (2) 1. 22-40.

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