KINETIC POWER SYSTEMS – Energy-Generating Speed Breaker

Transforming traffic into clean energy: our speed breaker harvests kinetic energy from vehicles to power streetlights and security systems, delivering sustainable energy where the grid is unreliable.

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Inspiration

Africa’s rapid urbanization is straining energy infrastructure, leaving millions in darkness at night. In Cameroon, frequent power outages on highways and urban roads compromise safety, hinder commerce, and increase crime. I was inspired to turn a common problem — traffic — into a clean energy solution. The concept emerged from my background in industrial engineering and passion for sustainable innovation, leading to the development of the Electrical Energy-Generating Speed Breaker.

What it does

The speed breaker converts the kinetic energy of moving vehicles into electrical power. As vehicles pass over, the system’s mechanical components compress and drive a generator, storing energy in batteries. This energy powers streetlights, traffic signals, and security cameras, ensuring reliable illumination and safety in areas with weak grid access. Key features: Energy harvesting from everyday traffic Low cost installation on existing roads Scalable to rural and urban environments Reduces CO₂ emissions by offsetting fossil-based electricity

How we built it

Design & Modeling – We used CAD tools (SolidWorks, AutoCAD) to model the speed breaker and optimize its compression mechanism. Energy Conversion – Applied mechanical-to-electrical conversion principles with compact generators and energy storage systems. Prototype Fabrication – Built an early prototype using locally available materials to validate energy output. Testing – Conducted roadside simulations to measure kWh generation and durability under different vehicle weights and speeds. Iterative Improvements – Refined based on results, improving efficiency, durability, and cost-effectiveness.

Challenges we ran into

Material sourcing: Limited access to high-grade components locally. Funding: Early-stage development required creative resource mobilization (competitions, grants, accelerators). Technical durability: Ensuring the mechanism withstands heavy traffic and weather conditions. Awareness & adoption: Educating communities and stakeholders about a new energy concept.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

Selected for the 2025 Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Program ($5,000 seed capital). Ranked Top 200 globally in the 2025 QBE AcceliCITY Resilience Challenge. Chosen for wAtt-boost – Youth Powered Start-Up Program (Enel Foundation, RES4Africa, IRENA). Finalist in the ISETS–ESCAP Youth Voice on Energy Transition Global Finals (UNESCAP Headquarters, Bangkok). Built and tested a working prototype with measurable energy output.

What we learned

How to optimize energy systems for resource-constrained environments (low cost, high durability). The importance of community engagement for sustainable adoption. Leveraging global networks and accelerators for mentorship and technical support. Building hardware startups in Africa requires creativity in prototyping and partnerships.

What's next for KINETIC POWER SYSTEMS – Energy-Generating Speed Breaker

Pilot deployment in Douala, Cameroon to power streetlights in high-traffic zones. Integrate IoT sensors for energy monitoring and predictive maintenance. Scale manufacturing and deployment across African cities. Explore partnerships with municipalities, transport authorities, and smart city initiatives. Expand applications to charging stations for e-bikes or emergency devices.

Built With

  • arduino-microcontroller
  • autocad
  • autocad-for-design
  • dc-generator
  • lead-acid-batteries
  • light-dependent-resistor-(ldr)
  • matlab
  • rack-and-pinion-mechanism
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