Energy Generating Speed Bumps
The Motioned Powered Speed Bump is a novel method of generating energy from the weight and movement of cars over them. The speed bumps look more like a flat metal plate than a traditional concrete speed bump. The metal bumps have long think pedals running across the top which are pressed down as a car moves over the speed bump. The movement of these pedals turns gears inside the bump which generates around 2,000W of electricity per car!
Since the generated energy is instantaneous, the developers at New Energy Technologies are experimenting with mini-fly wheels and large capacitors. Since the quantity of energy is significant, you could end up seeing the speed bumps putting energy back into the grid, or perhaps powering streetlamps.
Perhaps even being used to top up the energy for schools? Especially since many schools have speed bumps outside to reduce cars hitting children.
Source: Inhabitat
Your Comments
2000w for how long? surely slowing down and accelerating for speed bumps uses more power than can be harvested by these items.