t box
The idea of a train being able to utilize its very infrastructure to generate electricity is very fascinating. Generating power by harnessing the wind energy created by fast moving trains is not an idea that may occur to the average researcher. However, two industrial designers- China’s Qian Jiang and Italy’s Alessandro Leonetti Luparini have managed to develop a device that produces power by utilizing this unique form of wind energy. The design won a silver award at the Lite-On awards last year
What is the T-box?
The T- box is a power generated device that harnesses wind energy as trains run over railroad tracks. This alternative form of wind energy produced by trains is very unique, as it does not depend on any natural energy sources. Instead, the energy generated from this device is produced as a consequence of human activity.
The T- box device generates energy without any interference of the normal train operation – the device is installed between railroad ties, and is partially buried underground. As the train passes over the device, the wind generated from the train spins the turbine inside the T- box to generate electricity.
The T- box contains all the mechanical components required for harnessing, storing and supplying converted power. Hence, the power generated from this device can be supplied to public facilities along the railway and also to remote areas where electricity has not yet reached.
The T-box
How much power can the T- Box generate?
A train moving at 125mph would generate a wind speed equivalent to 50 feet/ second. Wind blowing with such speed will let a normal wind power generator harness about 3500W of power. If a train is about 656 feet long, running at the pace of 187mph, and it moves along a 0.62 mile railway track in about 18 seconds, the power generated in this small period by the T- boxes laid on the tracks will be 2.6KW.
Qian and Luparini estimate that about 150 T-box devices could be accomodated along a 0.62 mile railway
What is the T-box?
The T- box is a power generated device that harnesses wind energy as trains run over railroad tracks. This alternative form of wind energy produced by trains is very unique, as it does not depend on any natural energy sources. Instead, the energy generated from this device is produced as a consequence of human activity.
The T- box device generates energy without any interference of the normal train operation – the device is installed between railroad ties, and is partially buried underground. As the train passes over the device, the wind generated from the train spins the turbine inside the T- box to generate electricity.
The T- box contains all the mechanical components required for harnessing, storing and supplying converted power. Hence, the power generated from this device can be supplied to public facilities along the railway and also to remote areas where electricity has not yet reached.
The T-box
How much power can the T- Box generate?
A train moving at 125mph would generate a wind speed equivalent to 50 feet/ second. Wind blowing with such speed will let a normal wind power generator harness about 3500W of power. If a train is about 656 feet long, running at the pace of 187mph, and it moves along a 0.62 mile railway track in about 18 seconds, the power generated in this small period by the T- boxes laid on the tracks will be 2.6KW.
Qian and Luparini estimate that about 150 T-box devices could be accomodated along a 0.62 mile railway