View Single Post
Old 11-26-2008, 02:47 AM   #13 (permalink)
jjackstone
Master EcoModder
 
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Sacramento, CA
Posts: 406
Thanks: 35
Thanked 143 Times in 105 Posts
I have been intermittently follow this technology for several years mostly because the same thought had occurred to me back in the mid-nineties. As has been mentioned a few times, this is essentially the same technology as is being used in wave generation. Here is a link to a Rockwell abstract from a few years ago.
Frictionless Linear Electrical Generator for Harvesting Motion Energy - Storming Media
The reason I mention them is because they came up with an extremely low friction coating which I can no longer find a link to that I helps to increase efficiency.

Following is a link to Masters Degree thesis from 2004 investigating the same idea.
Title page for ETD etd-11052004-145157

I really like this idea but would like to see actual test data to believe it. From the information released that states a max power output of up to 50KW, one would think a large buffer(maybe supercap) would be needed also. The other thought I always had was that in a particularly windy area, if the vehicle were left outside a lot then it would also be able to partially recharge in the wind.
Or if you were a bit low on charge, get a few friends to help bounce the vehicle up and down for a few minutes couldn't hoit.
JJ
  Reply With Quote