China introduces a new system that harvests wind and rail vibrations to power sensors on freight trains, ensuring reliable energy supply under varying conditions and reducing dependence on traditional sources. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Researchers from Beijing Jiaotong University, Shijiazhuang Tiedao University, Beijing Sunwise Space Technology, and China Energy Investment Group developed and tested this solution. Their findings appeared in the journal Energy, highlighting its efficiency and innovation for rail applications.

China Introduces Rail Vibration and Wind Energy System
Source, photo: Global Railway Review

China’s Approach to Energy Harvesting

The study explains that wind energy alone cannot guarantee stability because airflow may drop at low speeds. So, the hybrid design combines wind harvesting with vibration-based energy collection to maintain consistent performance across different environments.

Don’t miss…CRRC Unveils CR450 as the Fastest High-Speed Train Globally

The system includes wind and vibration collectors, a control module, a sensor unit, and an energy storage component. It captures airflow and vibrations generated by trains, converts alternating current to direct current, and stores it to power monitoring devices.

China’s Test Results and Industry Potential

Tests showed peak outputs of 40.87 milliwatts at 10 m/s airflow and 26.21 milliwatts at 20 Hz vibration frequency with a 5 mm amplitude. The energy module charged fully in 20 hours using wind or 45 hours with vibration energy, while supporting continuous sensor operation.

Experts see this technology as a promising tool for enhancing freight rail efficiency. By using natural forces already present during train movement, it enables smarter, low-maintenance, and energy-independent monitoring systems for the future of rail transport.

News on railway transport, industry, and railway technologies from Railway Supply that you might have missed:

Don’t miss…TXNW Completes Major Rail Interchange Upgrades in Texas

Find the latest news of the railway industry in Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union and the rest of the world on our page on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, read Railway Supply magazine online.

Place your ads on webportal and in Railway Supply magazine. Detailed information is in Railway Supply media kit