Electric generation from traffic flow

Israeli scientists have come up with a system to generate electricity from traffic flow – Parasitic Energy Harvesting.

We have to confess – in case you hadn’t already noticed – that we’re a pretty sceptical bunch when it comes to electric cars and the whole lemming-like dive in to EVs as the Holy Grail (just like Toyota). We also have huge concerns about the obsession with CO2 emissions when – in our opinion – the focus should be on NOx and particulate emissions.

But we have to applaud the innovation that is being driven by the current obsession with energy conservation. It’s leading to huge advances in fuel economy and fuelling the drive for alternatives to oil as the main form of power in cars.

And now scientists at Innowatch in Israel have come up with a way to generate electricity from the normal flow of traffic. They’re calling it ‘Parasitic Energy Harvesting’, and it’s achieved by placing generators beneath the road’s tarmac layer. The technology is based on piezoelectric materials which convert the weight of the traffic driving over them in to electricity, which is then stored in batteries at the roadside.

The scientists claim this can generate 2,000 watts per hour in regular traffic, which would translate in to a huge amount if implemented on the nations roads. Of course, you’d have to take in to account the cost of introducing the technology (and more endless roadworks) but even if it only powered street lighting and traffic signals it would be a huge saving.

Our favourite sort of technology – something for nothing.

Source: Globes via Autoblog Green