Vibrational energy harvester - created by College students.

Here is an interesting story of some Central Michigan University student who are working on an engineering project they came up with on their own. The students are constructing an electrical panel that will serve as a vibrational energy harvester to create renewable energy for powering a temperature display. By using the vibrations of pedestrian footsteps walking in and out of the building, they'll be able to generate electricity. This research, should it be successful, could be used to create similar panels that could be installed in train stations and other high traffic areas so that these facilities can be self-sustainable and generate their own energy. Pretty cool, huh? Here is a video on YouTube of the project. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvjXSFoBRIw&list=UU5sQwUTU5uXe2cShQKviNOw&index=2 CMU engineering students harvesting pedestrian energy to produce electricity Electrical panel to provide renewable energy to power temperature display Press Release: MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich., March 4, 2013 — Central Michigan University engineering students are constructing an electrical panel that will serve as a vibrational energy harvester to create renewable energy for powering a temperature display. The panel, which will be located in the entrance of CMU’s Engineering and Technology building, will generate electricity by using the vibrations of pedestrian footsteps as they walk in and out of the facility. Assistant professor of engineering Tolga Kaya says the student-led project could lead to the development of self-sustainable electric systems to be used in settings highly populated by pedestrians like subway stations or settings that experience heavy vehicle traffic like highways. Read more: http://media.cmich.edu/pr/cmu/cmu-engineering-students-harvesting-243911.aspx For more information contact: Danny Goodwin Jr. Assistant Director of Public Relations University Communications Central Michigan University (989) 774-1072 goodw1db@cmich.edu