# ERI: Bio-inspired Bistable Stochastic Energy Harvesting for Self-powered Smart Tires

> **NSF 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Pennsylvania State Univ University Park (PA) · $199,975

## Abstract

This NSF ERI project aims to enable self-powered smart tire systems by harvesting electricity from vibrations generated by tire rotation, road roughness, and vehicle loading to support onboard sensing and communication. Modern vehicles, particularly autonomous and connected systems, increasingly rely on tire-embedded sensors for monitoring pressure, traction, and driving conditions. However, conventional battery-powered monitoring faces challenges when batteries deplete, requiring periodic replacement. With millions of vehicles in the U.S., each having four tires, this leads to substantial electronic waste and environmental degradation. This project will transform current limitations by introducing a bio-inspired bistable energy harvester that converts tire vibrations into electrical power, extending battery life and potentially eliminating replacement. The approach leverages bistable nonlinear dynamics and rotational effects to continuously adjust operating conditions for efficient energy conversion. The intellectual merit includes advancing the fundamental understanding of bio-inspired design, nonlinear dynamics, stochastic resonance, and coupled electromechanical behavior in rotating systems. The interdisciplinary research integrates mechanical engineering, energy conversion, materials science, and dynamics to develop design principles for broadband energy harvesting. The broader impacts include improving the sustainability and reliability of intelligent transportation sys

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2552452
- **Awardee organization:** Pennsylvania State Univ University Park (PA)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** NPM2J7MSCF61
- **PI:** Feng Qian
- **Primary program:** 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** Control systems & applications, CONTROL SYSTEMS, ENERGY CONVERSION
- **Estimated total:** $199,975
- **Funds obligated:** $199,975
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 06/15/2026 → 05/31/2028

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2552452

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2552452, ERI: Bio-inspired Bistable Stochastic Energy Harvesting for Self-powered Smart Tires. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-06 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2552452. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NSF Awards dataset](/datasets/nsf-awards) · CC0 1.0*