Floor tiles harness power from pedestrians

Floor tiles harness power from pedestrians

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Summary:

Scientists have a floor tile that is made of renewable materials that converts the kinetic energy from footsteps into renewable energy. One footstep generates around 7 watts of electricity, which can be stored for future use or can immediately be used to power something such as a light.

Analysis:

This is exciting technology, and it is exactly what we need. By harnessing the kinetic energy from footsteps, we are tapping into a nearly-infinite yet untapped energy source. And this is just the beginning, imagine if all the street lights in the world were powered by cars driving on the road and people walking on side walks. If we can start harnessing all of the untapped energy out there, then can really change the world. However this article is severely lacking on detail and explanation, and while what it talks about shows potential, it really does not do a great job at explaining the details. For example, it says that one footstep generates 7 watts of electricity, but it does not mention that 7 watts of electricity is enough energy to power a standard lightbulb for around eight minutes. So, the article introduces an interesting and exciting new technology, but could do a better job at doing it.

McKibben, Bill. "Global Warming's Terrifying New Math." Rollingstone.com. Accessed February 03, 2013. http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/global-warmings-terrifying-new-math-20120719.