Comments/questions on AB 306 (Gatto): Energy: piezoelectric transducers: study.
This bill would require the Energy Commission to conduct research on the feasibility of generating electricity using piezoelectric transducers under major roadways as a renewable resource, by collaborating with the Department of Transportation to establish a pilot project that would employ piezo-based energy harvesting technology. The bill would allow the Energy Commission to expend the moneys in the Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Fund, upon appropriation by the Legislature, to implement this research as part of the Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program. The Energy Commission would be required to report its findings in the integrated energy policy report adopted in 2013. These provisions would be repealed on January 1, 2015.
my post:
The proponents of this suggested method, evidently, aren't physicists. Physicists know that this is not a source of energy, but just a transfer of energy from gasoline that powers the vehicle to electricity in the roadway device. Such a method will decrease the efficiency of the vehicle by increasing the rolling friction. Think about it by answering the question, why do under inflated tires reduce fuel mileage, and visa versa?
bc
bc forgot to add: using gasoline to generate electricity directly would be more efficient than this crackpot method!