New Forms of Energy Capture Proliferate

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powerverdeNew methods of capturing energy from unlikely sources are being refined. Two emerging ones include using low-level heat sources to produce electricity and capturing energy from the motion of heavy vehicles.

A range of applications may exist for the Organic Rankine Cycle energy capture system from PowerVerde Inc. The device, which is placed adjacent to any source of low-level heat of about 180 degrees, can generate up to 25 kilowatts, according to a press release.

The system can work with solar, geothermal, biomass, or waste heat, which can be captured from manufacturing processes or motors.

While the idea of capturing energy from vehicles' braking is nothing new, New Energy Technologies Inc. has developed a slightly different method for capturing energy from the motion of heavy vehicles such as trucks, buses and long-haul rigs.

New Energy's method uses a fluid-based system to capture the kinetic energy from heavy vehicles, which generate much more energy during stopping than cars. The system is dubbed MotionPower-Heavy, according to a press release.

As vehicles roll over the surface, it captures energy. See a video demonstration here.

Environment + Energy Leader