Designers Qian Jiang and Ale Leonetti Luparinia have come up with the initial blueprints of a devicethat utilizes the wind power generated by a running train. This device, called T-box, is a power generator that harnesses wind energy as a train runs over the tracks. This device is engineered to merge with the sleepers on the railway tracks. It contains all the mechanical components required for harnessing, storing and supplying converted power. The power, thus generated, can be supplied to public facilities along the railway and also to remote areas where electricity has not yet reached. This would be helpful in solving much of the electricity problems of the developing countries.
To fit the T-box on the tracks, some work has to be done on them. First of all, concaves have to be constructed in cement between each of two sleepers. Then two brackets are to be placed on two sides of the concave and have to be fixed. Finally, T-box could be set upon these maneuvered tracks. In a 1000 m long railway track, about 150 T-boxes could be accommodated. A train running at a speed of 200 kph would generate a wind speed equivalent to 15 m/sec. Wind blowing with such speed would let a normal wind power generator harness about 3500 W power. Now, a train, about 200 m long and running at a pace of 300 kph, passes a railway track, 1000m long, in about 18 sec. The power generated in this small period, by the T-boxes laid on the tracks, would be a whooping 2.6 KWH !
T-BOX represent a new generation of wind power generators. It does not produce any harmful chemical, nor does it have any other side effects. Thus, it is a perfectly eco-friendly device. It helps to generate power utilizing a human activity, instead of the nature. The human activity viz, running of train, being a reproducible one, the amount of power generated by this device would simply be a huge one. The T-BOX project has created a sensation among the techno buffs, and has been duly honored with the LITE-ON Award. This device has generated hope. It has given a new approach, that is, utilization of activities of human civilization , for meeting its own hunger for energy.
Via: YankoDesign
