UK designers have been capturing the energy of people's footsteps and using them to provide low level power for lighting systems and wifi networks. Thomas K. Grose
writes about a UK company,
Pavegen Systems, that has been designing and installing pedestrian powered electrical power generating systems in schools and malls. The pads are designed out of recyled tires or tyres if you are in the UK.
This would seem to be a natural fit in workout facilities and other high traffic areas. The power is generated by a slight change in height caused by people stepping on the tile. The current cost of the tile $50 each will need to drop further to make this economical. The tile also needs battery storage. The tile is tested to last at least 5 years.
Could similar devices be used in roadways to power street lighting? What other applications do you envision?
No comments:
Post a Comment