Israeli scientists generate electricity from traffic rush

 The system works by using generators implanted in the asphalt that create energy when cars drive over them, daily Ha'aretz reported.

Each generator produces 2,000 watts per hour, which is stored in batteries along the side of the road.

The innovative technology is the brainchild of Israeli firm, Innowattech, in collaboration with the Technion University.

A trial performed on the system yesterday on a Highway along a 10 metre stretch was viewed as a success with passing cars providing the power for street lights set up next to the 10 meter strip, the report said.

The manager of the project, Dr Lucy Edri-Azoulay, said that the generators on Highway No 4 were planted 2 inches below the top level of asphalt and they used the weight of cars driving on top of them to generate electricity.

The technology driving the system is based on Piezoelectric materials, which generate electricity in response to applied mechanical stress, Edri-Azoulay explained.

The scientist noted that installing the system on a single traffic lane stretching one kilometre would produce 200 kilowatts of electricity per hour and on a four lane highway it would produce a megawatt of electricity, enough to power 2,500 households.

He said that the system could be used to power electrical installations along the road, providing power for traffic lights, cameras, and streetlights among other things.

Changing weather does not affect the system and it does not require construction of a large scale infrastructure, the report said.