The idea of utilizing the constant wind produced by moving cars on a freeway is nothing new. In fact, I can think of more than half a dozen proposals off the top of my head in the last 3 or 4 years that range from power production to sign illumination. The latter probably being the most practical, economical, and easily implemented. This being the case, high profile TAK Studio is taking another stab at a wind-powered street illumination proposal and is actually one of the finalists at this year’s Greener Gadgets Conference next month in NYC.
I say “another stab” due to the fact this idea has been proposed, and somewhat developed, in the past. Namely by a company called Hyberdine Power Systems (not to be confused with Cyberdine Systems that makes Terminators) who invents and produces hybrid energy systems that perform multiple functions. Their, albeit crude, video of the wind turbine-driven street light concept can be seen below:
Of course TAK Studio’s is much sexier and sleeker, but not wholly original.
Other Hybrid Standalone Systems
Though TAK may have ‘one upped’ Hyberdine Power Systems on the wind-powered street light design, Hyberdine Power Systems does produce some other cool technologies though that are actually being used now. Its most successful and widely deployed product to date is its Hyberdine/Panasonic Kazekamome wind and solar powered standalone lighting solution. While it has probably the worst name ever, the Kazekamome (for short) provides nighttime illumination to areas without the need for trenching, wiring, or electricity. Check out some examples below.
The Good: A standalone illumination system that doesn’t require major construction to retrofit onto existing freeways and highways. Excess energy can be sent back to grid if grid connected.
The Bad: Seeing as the turbines would need to spin at night to provide illumination, it’s doubtful that necessary sustained wind speeds could be maintained at night due to the fact traffic is much lighter and infrequent.
The Bottom-Line: A good idea that has been tossed around before, but likely never implemented given that the primary function of such a system would be unlikely to work without constant traffic throughout the night (unless batteries were involved).
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