Dangerous roadworks and highway obstructions are supposed to be marked by
warning lamps on cones, but batteries can go flat or get stolen and oil lamps
often blow out. So Alpa Industries of South Woodford in London has devised a
wind-powered alternative (GB 2360834). Any wind or air turbulence caused by
passing vehicles turns a small wind turbine on the top of the lamp, which drives
a tiny generator. This powers a light-emitting diode, while any surplus
electrical power is stored in a rechargeable battery designed to keep the diode
going when the air is still.
Cone power
By Barry Fox
12 January 2002
