Energy-harvesting shock absorber
I really did not know what section to post this to....
https://www.physorg.com/news/2011-07-...ncy-award.html An energy-harvesting shock absorber that can be installed in a vehicle?s suspension system to absorb the energy from bumps in the road, convert the energy into electricity, and improve fuel efficiency by 1-8% has recently won the R&D 100 award. Nicknamed the ?Oscar of Invention,? the annual award is given out by R&D Magazine to recognize the top 100 innovative technologies introduced during the previous year. Previous winners have included the ATM (1973), liquid crystal display (1980), Nicoderm anti-smoking patch (1992), lab on a chip (1996), and HDTV (1998). [break] Due to bumps and vibrations from normal driving, the sliding tubes or rotating generator can produce an electric voltage. When installed in a medium-sized passenger car traveling at 60 mph, the shock absorber can generate 100-400 watts of energy under normal driving conditions, and up to 1600 watts on particularly rough roads. Trucks, rail cars, and off-road vehicles get a return of 1-10 kilowatts, depending on road quality. _____________________ Hmm. Rough roads fits where I live. 1600 watts is more than 2 Hp. 10 Kw is enough to run a car around town. |
Re: Energy-harvesting shock absorber
I could swear I had heard of this type of thing some number of years ago, otherwise, I am surprised it took this long to come up with... Basically the same premise as generators run on waves in the ocean, only on a smaller, rougher scale. I'm curious though as to what the distance one must travel to generate that amount of electricity.
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Re: Energy-harvesting shock absorber
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On the other hand, energy recovering shock absorbers wouldn't be needed if we had good roads. Smooth paving saves gas, and my kidneys. Can someone tell Mass Highway Dept.? |
Re: Energy-harvesting shock absorber
Yup, they'd work great in New England.
Talked to a tree guy who was in from Florida to help with the Hurricane Irene power restoration. He said our roads are killing him, he's never experienced anything like it before. I told him that we hate them too which is why I drive a 1980 Buick. :D |
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