Public charging station powers mobile devices with footsteps and solar panels

22/09/2014

The ENGO charging station uses kinetic tiles and solar panels to charge up to 14 smartphones at a time, and provides free WiFi access and an emergency phone.

It's been interesting to watch the different approaches used by companies developing clean energy charging stations, especially those working on public mobile device chargers, as each business tries to figure out both the financial and the practical aspects of what's fast becoming an important part of our infrastructure - access to power for our gadgets.

A new contender has hit the streets (or sidewalks, as it were), with an installation of an ENGO Public Charging Station at Webster University in St. Louis, MO, which uses a combination of kinetic tiles (to harvest energy from footsteps) and solar panels to recharge up to 14 mobile devices at a time.

The ENGO station, from Volta Group, includes 10 charging cables (to fit most models of phones and tablets), two USB charge ports, and two wireless charging pads for compatible devices. The model installed on the university's main campus, at the East Academic Building, will provide free charging for students, faculty, and staff, as well as supply a WiFi access point and an emergency phone that connects directly to the university's Public Safety department.

The purpose of the station, beyond providing free power for recharging, is to raise awareness of renewable energy and energy efficiency by serving as an educational tool.

"Energy efficiency is a key step to reducing negative impact on climate change. The EnGo Charging Station provides free recharging and also serves as an educational tool with the main goal to motivate people to become more aware how their actions affect the planet, while also increasing their awareness about importance of using renewable energy sources. We cannot hope to create a sustainable culture with any but sustainable-oriented people." - Petar Mirovic, CEO of Volta Group.

Treehugger

Same Category

Cosy, quiet and efficient: how New York is pioneering eco-friendly apartments

08/11/2024

Advancing energy efficiency at UNDP Iran 04/11/2024

In Iran, the energy sector is the largest contributor to carbon emissions.These sectors exert significant pressure on energy resources and contribute substantially to carbon emissions. Recognizing these challenges, UNDP Iran has spearheaded transformative initiatives in sustainable energy and operational efficiency at UN facilities.
Nova Scotia puts almost $22 million toward energy efficient housing programs 02/11/2024

Nova Scotia is unveiling new details on its planned public housing project. It says the bulk of the new homes will be coming to the Halifax area. As Skye Bryden-Blom reports, it’s also introducing 25 new modular units as it looks to bolster its affordable housing stock.
Canada Piloting New Ways to Make Homes More Energy-Efficient and Affordable 28/10/2024

Canada's buildings sector is the third-largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions across the country. We must increase the scale and pace of retrofitting buildings across the country to make them more energy-efficient, increasing savings and reducing emissions.
Ireland's Public Sector avoided an estimated €2.5 billion in energy spend since 2009 28/10/2024

Public bodies and Government Departments are 32.5% more energy efficient than in 2009.
Canada helping food processing businesses lower costs 27/10/2024

Investments by the governments of Canada and Ontario through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) are resulting in over $16 million worth of energy cost savings projects to help food processing businesses increase energy efficiency and lower their costs.
Reaching 45% solar generation would save US Southeast utilities $20 billion/year 27/10/2024

Annual savings of $20 billion are possible across six Southeastern states by reaching 45% solar generation by 2035, according to a national laboratory study.
Thailand's largest cement producer commits $6.3 billion to green transition 26/10/2024

Thailand's largest cement producer, Siam Cement Group (SCG), plans to invest THB 200 billion (about 6.3 billion USD) over the next five years to enhance the competitiveness of its subsidiaries, SCG Chemicals and SCG Cleanergy, in order to assist the parent company in accelerating emission reductions.
Camden launches scheme to help local businesses save energy 25/10/2024

Camden council (UK) will be offering free support to nearly 125 local businesses for reducing energy consumption, cutting costs and lowering carbon emissions.