Filed under: Emerging Technologies, Etc.
A kinetic energy generator ... what uses can you come up with?
The idea of capturing the energy of vibrations and storing it is not new, but here is another attempt at the idea, courtesy of Gizmag. Dr Steve Beeby and his team at the University of Southampton have created this version of the kinetic energy generator. The last time we discussed this idea, it was mentioned that perhaps a device like this could be used on a vehicle; it would take many of them to generate any meaningful electrical power. This version has many possible uses, some of them cited in our source article. As far as transportation goes, they mention wireless monitoring of mechanical devices like wheel bearings. Another possibility would be mounting them on roadways or bridges, which vibrate when vehicles pass by. This could potentially create the electricity during the day to light the roadway at night. Time will tell if technology like this will compete with solar and wind as possible wireless sources of power in mainstream life.[Source: Gizmag]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Bill Mason 12:30AM (7/10/2007)
Could you install these inside tires? { cars, trucks}. EV vehicals may get even more miles per charge using this technology in its tires or through a delabrit vibration system to help drawl kinetic energy. Turbines along some coastlines could generate energy from the natural tide of our oceans, could also provide the inital charge for batteries for EV car companies to help lower costs for the consumer. Understanding the global impact electric cars would make with their low carbon output, enviromental groups should help pay for these turbines if they want to make a real impact on the overall heath of our environment. Also the energy generated could pay for the turbines within a matter of years.
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chris bate 11:29AM (7/10/2007)
Might not this be a good fit.
http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/09/defense-department-seeking-a-better-wearable-power-supply/
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DB 2:11PM (7/10/2007)
Just from a quick glance, this is a pretty impressive idea. I'm a bit skeptical of its practicality. The Cylindrical wind turbines above highways to generate power from passing cars seems more impressive to me.
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YAA 4:21PM (7/10/2007)
Step#1 Buy large trampoline
Step#2 Line the bottom of trampoline with Vibration Energy harvesters.
Step#3 Let the neighborhhod children power my house, plug-in hybird car, and produce enough to sell back to the grid.
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normanchodrick 5:20PM (7/10/2007)
Reading the article gave me an idea that is indirectly related to capturing 'vibration power'-why not utilize a cars suspension to generate energy rather than simply absording it with springs, etc.-the more potholes the better!
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TIMMAH! 6:37PM (7/10/2007)
Finally a way to harness the power of the fart!
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TX CHL Instructor 4:50PM (7/12/2007)
Somebody needs to study physics. Here's a layman's recap of the laws of thermodynamics:
1) You can't win
2) You can't break even
3) You can't leave the game
0) Shit flows downhill
"The last time we discussed this idea, it was mentioned that perhaps a device like this could be used on a vehicle"
IIRC, the last time you brought this up, Jeremy, you got it pointed out to you that there was no way there would be enough energy recovered in the manner to make enough difference to notice. This is due to some fundamental laws of physics (see above, or get a good college-level physics text and read up on the laws of thermodynamics).
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Jon 12:58PM (7/17/2007)
Take some ePaper (the kind that only uses power to change state) create some traffic signs that automatically adjust to traffic patterns and user the vibrations caused by passing cars and wind to power the suckers.
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