Focus on UK Immigration and UK Technological Development: Is it true that jumping and walking on the floor can generate electricity? A UK company, Pavegen Systems, has recently introduced power-generating floor tiles, which were tested at a school in Kent. When students run and jump in the hallway, the tiles generate a continuous power supply, producing 4 watts of electricity with each step. It is estimated that the electricity collected over a year could charge 853 mobile phones, or provide two and a half years of talk time for one phone, or keep a light bulb illuminated for over two months; it could also power an electric vehicle for 7 miles.
The idea for the power-generating floor originated from the designer's student days.
The concept of generating power from the floor comes from Laurence Kemball-Cook, CEO of Pavegen Systems, who was once a student at the aforementioned school in Kent. "Imagine if all students in UK schools could generate power for hallway lights or classroom applications just by walking and jumping around. What a sight that would be," Cook said.
Students generate 4 watts of electricity with each step on the floor.
4 watts of electricity is enough to light up ceiling lights; as long as students keep jumping, the power will keep flowing. The secret lies in the power-generating floor beneath their feet. Designer Cook explains: "What it does is efficiently capture the weight of your footsteps; that downward motion of just 5 millimeters allows us to use a hybrid internal generator technology. When people walk on it, they will receive a continuous flow of electricity, approximately 12 volts."
The power-generating floor can charge 853 mobile phones in a year.
The power-generating floor is made from recycled tires and polymers, and the generated electricity can be stored in batteries for later use. Over the course of a year, a 12-meter long floor made of these tiles can fully charge 853 mobile phones; it can provide two and a half years of continuous use for one phone; it can keep a light bulb illuminated for over two months; and it can power an electric vehicle for 7 miles.
The power-generating floor has been tested at sporting events.
This floor was initially tested at a school in Kent and within a science museum, and later tested during the Paris Marathon and Olympic events. The data collected from its use in schools will serve as a reference for future smart cities. Perhaps in the future, a city could be illuminated by the footsteps of its inhabitants.
Cook's invention is not limited to this; he has also developed a dance floor that can be used at music festivals. It allows dancers to charge their phones while dancing.
