Israel: Power of Traffic Makes Electricity 

2009-11-09 05:42

 

At first sight it looks like and ordinary road, but if you could take a look beneath the surface, you would see how electricity is produced under the wheels of passing motor vehicles.

This stretch of highway is a pilot of the newest technology that turns moving traffic into energy. The system was developed by Israeli company Innowattech, together with Technion Institute, and National Roads Company of Israel.

[Dr. Lucy Ederi-Azulay, Innowattech Project Manager]:
“The technology includes two main components: one is the generators and the other is a system that harvests the electric energy, which are electric systems.”

The trial involves a ten-meter stretch, where generators are placed five centimeters beneath the road's surface. The technology is based on piezoelectric materials that generate electricity when mechanical pressure is applied by moving vehicles.

[Prof. Haim Abramovich, Innowattech CEO]:
“A good example of how our technology works is by applying the pressure in this case my pressure. And then the mechanical energy is transforming through electrical energy.”

Accumulated electricity can be used for various purposes along the road, including streetlighting, cameras, traffic lights, and more. Another option is to support the main electric grid.

[Dr. Lucy Ederi-Azulay, Innowattech Project Manager]:
“A one kilometer single lane with 600 heavy trucks per hour can produce 200 kilowatts per hour. That is a quite a high electric production capability. Just to clarify the meaning: If an average family consumes one kilowatt per hour, we can power at least 200 homes.”

The technology doesn’t depend on weather, and heavy vehicles are most welcome.

NTD, Israel.