Here’s a really interesting twist on people power. UK-based Pavegen Systems, have come up with a paving slab which can harvest the kinetic energy from pedestrian footsteps and convert it into electricity.
The slabs are designed to be prominent in order to encourage pedestrians to step on them. Five percent of the sustainable energy created from each step is expended on lighting up the slabs LED — which also serves to demonstrate the energy transfer was successful.
Among the various applications for the remaining energy are ideas around powering traffic lights, safety signs and other outdoor ambient items that require electricity. Pavegen’s slabs have already been trialled in East London, with the developers now seeking investment.
This eco innovation is being taken a step further. Pavegen systems is working with one of the leading recycled rubber slab manufacturers to offer tactile paving slabs that generates energy at pedestrian crossings. Often lighting is used in these areas to make pedestrians more visible, busy crossings can now be self sufficient increasing the safety of users with a retro fitted Pavegen slab that requires no grid connection. The rubber is produced from 100% recycled car tyres.
Designs are currently being finalised for a stair based unit that is currently producing 25% of the total energy for a London tube station, Pavegen believe the next model will produce nearer 40%.
For more information visit http://www.pavegensystems.com/about.php
