New Jersey Turnpike As a Power Source?

New Jersites writes "New Jersey, home of the eponymous Jersey barrier, is considering wind turbines powered by the breeze generated from traffic on the Jersey Turnpike. The wind turbines won't be built on the side of the highway. They will be built inside — what else? — the Jersey barriers. By replacing sections of solid concrete with Darius turbines, they might be able to harvest enough energy to power a light-rail line."

Finally...

[ZiakII]

Finally something I have to be proud about in NJ besides the Devils....

yawn

[User 956]

y replacing sections of solid concrete with Darius turbines, they might be able to harvest enough energy to power a light-rail line.

That's boring. Wake me up when they can power a light rail gun.

Why's the train not running?

[rmadhuram]

Oh wait, there's a traffic jam!

An excuse for speeding...

[xrapidx]

...this will create a good excuse when pullled over for speeding . You were only trying to do your part to power the light-rail line.

Re:Drag?

[ookabooka]

If the power gathered is then invested into a public transport system, then you'll end up having drivers subsidise public transport. The fuel savings with public transport may well offset the extra fuel burnt through the turbine induced drag.

Uh, is it me or does this just seem like a bad idea. Using cars (that use combustion engines about 30% efficient) to move air and then use turbines to convert part of that to energy. . .If it was entirely passive and just collected "wasted" energy I'd be all for it. Otherwise those with more aerodynamic cars essentially have to "pay less" than other drivers?? I dunno, unless it is wasted energy anyways I say go for it, otherwise its like using an electric motor to charge a battery via an electric generator.

Rediculus

[rizole]

As has been pointed out already this is a stupid idea. It would make much more sense to put the turbine on the train so it's forward motion can generate electricity. That way the train is self powering. Much greener.

Re:Drag?

[WrongSizeGlass]

A better idea would be to try to harness the anger and frustration of those of us who drive the NJ Turnpike. You could really support the power grid with all that wasted energy.

Re:Yes: Drag.

[Bastard of Subhumani]

The phenomenon is even more pronounced with semi-trucks. "Drafting": following another truck closely to save even more fuel, is a common practice.

I assume this aerodynamic phenomenon miraculously turns into a cushion in the event that the truck in front has to stop real damn quick?

Re:Drag?

[hab136]

A better idea would be to try to harness the anger and frustration of those of us who drive the NJ Turnpike. You could really support the power grid with all that wasted energy.

Ghostbusters II: New Jersey Edition?

Re:Drag?

[name*censored*]

>>A better idea would be to try to harness the anger and frustration of those of us who drive the NJ Turnpike. You could really >>support the power grid with all that wasted energy.

>>but won't the turbines cause a drag effect on the cars, resulting in the cars burning more fuel? Is so, aren't they just >>moving the problem from one place to another? There's no such thing as free energy, right?

Putting two and two together.. wouldn't harnessing the anger make people ANGRIER? There's no such thing as free anger!

Newsflash!

[fury88]

"Tonight at 11. Commuters leave roadways to ride new rail. Not enough power to run the rail."

television remote power source ..

[rs232]

If they banned television remotes and wired everyones couch to the grid, then every time someone got up to change the channel they would generate power.

Big Dig problem solved

[BitterAndDrunk]

There was that one problem, where mob bosses were thinking "hey what can we do to make more money" . . . that problem was solved pretty well I think.