Shopping energy
Basic information
Project Title
Full project title
Category
Project Description
The "Shopping energy" project is a working prototype of a shopping cart that produces "clean", "green" electricity in its mechanical motion, with which the customer can charge his mobile phone while shopping and the remaining energy to be used for the energy needs of the store through being accumulated in a larger battery (Power Hub).
Project Region
EU Programme or fund
Description of the project
Summary
The "Shopping energy" project is a working prototype of a shopping cart that produces "clean", "green" electricity in its mechanical motion. The wheel of the shopping cart has a built-in generator connected to a portable battery, which stores the energy produced, with which the customer can charge his mobile phone while shopping.
Tests conducted in a real environment in a large hypermarket confirm that the constructed prototype of a shopping cart has optimal technological parameters that allow free shopping (move / stop, forward / reverse, fast / slow), which is closest to customer behavior in the store, and customers can generate enough energy to charge their mobile phones.
After shopping, each cart is left in the parking lot. Connecting it to the other carts, the remaining energy in the portable battery can be transferred to a larger rechargeable battery (Power Hub).
Theoretical calculations show that the energy generated by the shopping carts of all customers in the store is sufficient to power the parking lot lighting, the drive of the store doors and other energy needs.
Key objectives for sustainability
On one hand, the modern technological world needs more and more energy, while on the other hand, its production through fuel combustion pollutes the environment. Today, more than ever, we need alternative energy sources.
The problem is topical and is fully in line with the priorities set out in the Global Sustainable Development Goals, in particular objective 7 for renewable energy and objective 13 for combating climate change.
Climate change is the greatest challenge of our time. Each of us has the power to make a difference and even small changes and innovations in our daily lives can provide a better quality of life and a chance for future generations.
Our shopping cart is an alternative and affordable way to produce "clean" energy from the mechanical movement of the wheels of the cart. The investment in the equipment of shopping carts is one-time, and the benefits are long-term. The produced "green" energy saves electricity, reduces the combustion of fuels for its production, and reduces the carbon footprint.
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
The design of our innovative shopping cart is in line with customer convenience. The generator does not interfere with the movement of the wheels of the cart. The mounted phone holder on the handle of the cart ensures its safe and stable placement when shopping. The cart is extremely efficient for the customer, because even at low speeds, it generates enough voltage and enough energy to charge the battery and the customer’s phone. The cart is safe for the customer and the environment.
Key objectives for inclusion
The aim of the project "Shopping Energy" is to develop an alternative and affordable way to produce "clean" energy by constructing a shopping cart which generates electricity during its mechanical movement. Establishing the optimal technological parameters of the shopping cart that allow the energy to provide power for customers’ mobile phones while shopping and the remaining energy to be used for the energy needs of the store through being accumulated in a larger battery (Power Hub).
To achieve this goal, the following activities have been successfully completed: research of information, consultation with specialist engineers, setting clear and precise criteria for the efficiency of the cart, participation in various competitions and providing funding for the purchase of necessary parts, construction of a prototype market shopping cart, real-world testing in a hypermarket chain, data analysis and prototype improvement. Improvements have been made to the original prototype. For maximum protection of the generator, the wheel has been replaced with a built-in generator and a higher power of 350W. A controller is installed in order to convert the generated voltage from the generator into suitable such for storage in the battery. When the battery voltage is not enough, the controller acts as a protection, preventing the voltage from falling below what is needed to charge the battery. A new rechargeable battery is installed. A boost converter is installed, which allows at low speed to achieve high voltage to charge the consumer.
Currently, the shopping cart is certified in a licensed laboratory. The certificate guarantees safe use of the cart by the customer in the store and the absence of harmful effects on the environment.
Innovative character
The "Shopping energy" project achieves a balance in the principles of sustainable development - environmental, social and economic. Our innovative idea turns shopping carts into moving mini-power plants of "green" energy, offers economic benefits for hypermarkets and convenience for the customer, saves the burning of coal and the emission of harmful gases from them into the atmosphere.
