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Jul 13, 2009

Israelis harvesting alternative energy source

Israeli scientists have been studying the possiblility of harvesting energy from the cars driving on roads, and using that harvested energy instead of fossil fuels.

I will be surprised if it will not be too expensive to implement:
Making his dream come true are hundreds of rugged metallic crystals. When put under pressure they generate electricity.

Use of fossil fuels could be ending

So lined up in special pads buried under the tarmac, they create power. It is called 'piezo' electricity. It has been around a while, but never used like this before.

One truck can generate 2,000 volts, but to create useful electricity you need a lot of amps too and that requires many pads over hundreds of metres and a high percentage of traffic, preferably moving quickly.

The team is pioneering the idea on a 30 metre strip of highway near Tel Aviv.

It could be used to power traffic lights or street lamps already, but with sufficient progress the technology may one day generate enough electricity to send power to the national grid.

but hopefully it will be reasonable and can be implemented.

Those genius Israeli minds are at it again!

1 comment:

  1. I wonder how much energy will be wasted ripping up the road and repaving it, incluiding the wasted energy due to traffic jams caused by the constructions, not to mention manufacturing and transporting the pads.

    How long will it take for the pads to generate enough energy to break even? How does this compare with the lifespan of the pads? (This is why noone invites engineers to parties.)

    ReplyDelete

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