Knockhill to generate a spark with 4 wheel energy!!!
Scotland’s National motorsport centre have begun installing electro-kinetic road ramps ahead of the 2016 race season .These will be incorporated into the 1.27mile long international racing circuit which will help power the venue.
Each speed ramp contains metal plates that compress when a car drives over them powering an internal generator; the resulting energy produced ranges from 5-50kW depending on the weight of the vehicle.
As the race circuit naturally has several hard breaking points it was an ideal opportunity to introduce these speed bumps with the benefit of producing power which can be filtered back into the business and the National Grid.
Users of the track shouldn’t be overly concerned with the newly installed ramps (or bumps if you prefer). Since these will be in natural braking zones. Only a slight bump will be felt inside the car and it shouldn’t compromise lap times to much. We are not sure how it will work with bikes however, as the system is yet to be fully tested in a race environment, however the bumps and vibrations will undoubtedly be more severe.
Ian Forrest – Circuit Manager had this to say; “We have initially installed two speed ramps, one at Scotsman and the other at the Hairpin. Should the system prove fruitful other corners may well follow suit in the upcoming months.“
“We can’t wait to incorporate this new way to use the track. Our customers must do thousands of laps of the circuit over the race season, so it could be a real money spinner for Knockhill and a great way to offset our carbon footprint!” says Stuart Gray, Events Director at the Circuit.
As well as powering the circuit and potentially generating extra revenue for Knockhill, this new technology might even help the local job market. Should the system prove a sound investment we may consider hiring night shift drivers to circulate the track, generating additional power for the National Grid and potentially even more dosh for Knockhill Racing Circuit.
A preemptive test of the new electro-kinetic road ramps will take place on Friday 1st April ahead of the season-opening Scottish Championship car racing event this weekend – Sunday 3rd April
Below: Work Underway to install the speed ramps
