Gen Shock: Harnessing Power From Shock Absorbers
The need for new, renewable energy sources has us looking high and low, and in places that many would never even begin to think of. One of the latest energy-harnessing technologies being talked about is the discovery made by a group of MIT undergraduates of a way to recover energy that is lost from vehicle shock absorbers.
It’s being called Gen Shock. What these students have done is designed a shock absorber in such a way that when the vehicle moves over bumps, the energy generated is transferred through a turbine and power is generated. This is connected to a battery that is recharged in the process. When testing the Gen Shock, it was discovered that each shock absorber generates an average of around 1 kW while on the road. This would be enough to displace the large alternator load in heavy trucks and other large vehicles.
This technology is similar to the regenerative braking process used in hybrid vehicles sold all over the world. With regenerative braking, the energy usually wasted during the process of braking is conveniently used to recharge a set of batteries. That in turn is used to power the electric motors.
A patent is pending for the GenShock design. The students have also formed a company, Levant Power, so they can develop and commercialize their product.
Category: Battery News
so who is their adviser at mit? I’d sure like go get a copy of their patent
I saw your article. It was amazing concept. I am also interested in this field. Can you give your contact no and email id. I have another idea with me. pl reply.
I have another great idea for renewable energy in electric cars would like to talk to you about it.