Light fantastic: pedestrians to generate power

times online ^ | Chris Gourlay

[Flavius]

THE power of the wind and the tide have been harnessed – now the footfall of trudging shoppers is to become the latest source of emission-free energy.

Underfloor generators, powered by “heel strike” and designed by British engineers, may soon be installed in supermarkets and railway stations.

[Flavius]

how about peoples mouths yapping away whats the kwh on those

[saganite]

I want my discount when I check out for the amount of electricity I generated. I don’t work for free!

[Flavius]

once again it will the women that bear the burden of expanding energy

[max americana]

How about harnessing the power of friction when women whip out their husband’s/BF’s/lover’s/own credit card?

[Fox_Mulder77]

powered by “heel strike”

I guess they're talking about this:

The original "heel strike".

[Flavius]

you silly silly man

you just blew the cover on the dems secret energy plan

and car revolution they are seeking

[Fox_Mulder77]

may soon be installed in supermarkets and railway stations

What happens when "foot traffic" slows to a crawl because "global warming" legislation will destroy economies worldwide, leaving most shopping centers barren?!?

[enduserindy]

I wonder if as much energy will be created by it as used to produce/maintain it?

[umgud]

How about everybody having to get on a mile long treadmill generator to pick up their welfare checks?

[manic4organic]

They should put one at Paris Hilton’s bedroom door. Talk about kilowatts.

[ProtectOurFreedom]

Oh, Boy!! Free energy!!

[norwaypinesavage]

Reporters who write drivel such as this are totally uninformed. Any energy that would also power light bulbs would have to be provided by the pedestrians in addition to the energy they are already expending, just to walk. Just run the numbers: 34000 people,for 6300 bulbs per hour works out to about 5 people per bulb per hour. Assuming 12 minutes per walk (a very long walk) means that one person is continuously powering one bulb during his walk. Assuming the bulb is 100 watts, each person has to add an additional 0.2 horsepower during his walk. Even trained Olympic runners can only sustain this level of energy for short bursts, in addition to the energy they are also providing in order to propel themselves.