Harnessing electric energy from vehicle induced wind gust

Abstract

This paper is focused on simple demonstration of yet untapped possibility to generate electricity from vehicle induced wind gust (VIWG). As such enormous energy resource continues to waste daily along millions of world's vehicle paths, this paper through simple demonstrative design, seeks to redirect researchers and engineers towards a new thinking in the area of VIWG resource. Here, a self-sustaining apparatus designed around the features of simple ratchet mechanism demonstrates the ability to harness energy from the kinetic energy inherent in VIWG. For ease of reference this apparatus is referred to as Alternative Power Generating Machine (APGM). Data culled from a research work of the Ministry of Transportation, Ontario, Canada served as the source of basic data for the detailed design of the APGM. The simplicity of the APGM holds its key to the market. APGM could sustain facilities such as modern LED-based street lighting technologies, traffic lights or be utilized for electric car/battery recharging units. The machine is very easy to install and would operate effectively at safe distance from the curb of selected vehicle path. The current model of the APGM presented in this paper is a first attempt, hence has lots of room for future improvement. Recommendations are suggested to advance the current model in order to multiply the current power output. This work without doubt, would open new window into many possibilities in alternative and greener energy source.