Electrical energy is playing an increasingly vital role as the primary energy source in everyday life. With the increase in electric power consumption, power facilities are under an increasing stress and must operate at a high capacity. Consequently, the demand for electric power cables in power transmission and distribution lines is rapidly increasing. Underground distribution lines have been steadily replacing the aboveground lines owing to the increase in electric power demand and the need to increase the supply voltage. In addition to line damage, worker safety is of primary concern in this type of underground infrastructure.In this study, to improve the safety of workers dealing with underground transmission lines, we analyzed the electromagnetic field generated around the distribution line and determined the basic criteria for developing a device that can detect a live underground line.

A railway track generates severe levels of vibrations. In order to reduce these vibrations and to provide structural stability, various rail pads, mats, etc., are used for vibration protection. In this study, a specially designed rail pad was developed to reduce vibration and to generate electric power simultaneously, that is, by using the vibrations generated by railway cars on the track. The newly developed rail pads were tested to evaluate the characteristics of electric power by investigating the generated voltage and the current levels and patterns. In addition, we proposed an optimal laminated structure and adhesive by comparing the voltage generated by each type of adhesive required for optimal adhesion of the rail pad and the piezoelectric device.