N.Enoma

STUDY ON POWER GENERATION FROM SPEED BREAKERS

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Abstract
This study investigates the potential of utilizing the kinetic energy dissipated by vehicles traversing speed breakers as a sustainable source for power generation. With increasing vehicular traffic, a significant amount of energy is wasted as heat and friction when vehicles slow down and pass over these road infrastructure elements. This research explores various electromechanical mechanisms, including rack and pinion, gear and flywheel, and spring coil systems, to convert this otherwise lost kinetic energy into usable electrical energy. The core principle involves capturing the vertical displacement and subsequent kinetic energy of a vehicle as it passes over a specially designed speed breaker mechanism. This mechanical energy is then converted into rotational motion, which drives an electrical generator (dynamo) to produce electricity through electromagnetic induction. The generated electrical power can be stored in batteries or directly used to power nearby infrastructure such as streetlights, traffic signals, and signage, particularly in high-traffic areas like urban roads, parking lots, and toll plazas. This study analyzed the design considerations, efficiency, and potential power output of such systems under varying traffic conditions and vehicle weights. It also explored the practicality and costeffectiveness of implementing these energy-harvesting speed breakers compared to traditional power sources. Furthermore, the environmental benefits of this approach, including the reduction of reliance on conventional energy sources and the minimization of greenhouse gas emissions, were discussed. The findings of this research highlight the potential of speed breakers as a distributed and renewable energy generation technology, As well as proposes the adoption of Hybrid Energy Systems, Design Parameters Optimization And Energy Storage Enhancements to increase the possibility of transforming everyday road infrastructure into energy-producing systems, this technology holds promise for advancing renewable energy development, and contributing to a better future.
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