How cool is this? Sidewalks that generate electricity
October 29, 2009
Think about this: every time you take a step, you generate kinetic energy. What if the kinetic energy from thousands of pedestrians could be harnessed, stored and redirected for other uses?
A new product designed by Laurence Kemball-Cook, the director of Pavegen Systems Ltd., flexes beneath each step, absorbs the kinetic energy produced by every footstep, and creates 2.1 watts of electricity per hour. The energy is either stored within lithium polymer batteries or distributed to nearby lights, information displays, and much more.
Constructed from marine grade stainless steel and recycled materials, the surface of each slab features the rubber from old tires, and the internal components are made from recycled aluminum.
It is estimated that busy sidewalks receive up to 50,000 steps a day, so the potential energy is enormous.
The first prototypes have rolled out in East London. If all goes well, Pavegen has plans to go worldwide, to some of the busiest spots on earth. Fantastic idea!
Entry Filed under: Cool Stuff, Get Involved with the Environment, Health and Environment, Science and Research. Tags: Health and Environment, Inhabitat.com, Laurence Kemball-Cook, Pavegen Stones.
Trackback this post | Subscribe to the comments via RSS Feed