Human motion provide energy for London buses

The Eco-Routemaster hybrid buses transported thousands of sports fans troughout London during the Olympics. These buses allow passengers to activate stop signals with their bodies as a source of energy using energy harvesting wireless technology from EnOcean. The act of pressing the bell push generates enough electrical power for a wireless module to activate the stop display and audible stop signal. The wireless bell push system, manufactured by UK company BMAC, compliments the green concept of the new London buses which utilise the very latest diesel hybrid technology, making it one of the most environmentally friendly buses of its kind.

While other push-buttons need to be connected to the signal receiver at the bus driver’s position via metres of cable, the BMAC stop button functions with the EnOcean miniaturised energy converter ECO 200 which offers more than 300,000 switching cycles and a small batteryless wireless module. The radio signal is unique to each stop button, ensuring no interference with other buttons in this bus or other buses nearby. The receiver module is connected to the bus’ electrical system and the bell pushes are then fitted into place. After installation, each stop button in a bus is programmed for its own logic circuit – for example, front, middle, rear or wheelchair users.

(Source: Automotive Electronics, November 2012)