Practice and Feasibility of Energy Harvesting Technologies in Civil Infrastructure: A Comparative Review

Energy harvesting is an emerging approach that supports the generation of renewable and clean energy, while also augmenting the durability and stability of infrastructure. The paper aims to review applicable energy harvesting systems deployed in various types of infrastructure, including roads and bridges, for applications such as photovoltaic noise barriers, photovoltaic cells, piezoelectric devices, and thermoelectric units. The harvested energy can be utilized to generate electricity, power wireless sensors, melt ice, and provide heating or cooling, while also assisting in monitoring structural conditions. Each energy harvesting technology is described in detail, covering operational principles, application scenarios, prototype development, and key findings from the literature. Economic feasibility studies are also examined to allow for a comparative assessment of energy output, production costs, and cost-effectiveness. This review provides a comparative feasibility framework integrating energy performance, levelized cost of electricity, payback period, and technology readiness levels for infrastructure-based energy harvesting systems.