The system includes a power source, such as a power generation device or an external power source. The power co-generation system includes first and second electrical capacitance portions that are electrically coupled to the power source and that are configured to carry positive and negative charges, respectively. The power co-generation system further includes a biasing device that is configured to separate the first and second capacitance portions with respect to one another. Thus, by varying the distance between the capacitance portions in response to a vehicle on the rail, the capacitance portions cooperate to act as a variable capacitor that facilitates the co-generation of power with respect to the system. That is to say, the mechanical energy of the biasing device is converted into electrical energy for the system.
In accordance with another exemplary aspect of the present technique, a method of co-generating power via a vehicle travelling on a rail is provided. The method includes the act of driving first and second capacitor plates with respect to one another in response to the vehicle that is travelling on the rail. The method also includes the act of charging the first and second capacitor plates via a power source, such as a power generation device or an external power source. The method further includes biasing the first and second plates apart from one another, thereby displacing the plates with respect to one another. This displacement changes the electrical capacitance between the first and second plates and, resultantly, increases the electric potential between the first and second plates. In turn, this displacement of the first and second plates facilitates the co-generation of electrical energy from the kinetic and potential energy of the vehicle on the rail.
Reference
http://www.patentstorm.us/patents/7148581/fulltext.html
http://www.seminarprojects.com/Thread-power-generation-using-railway-track