Date
07/26/2012
New Eco-Routemaster hybrid buses allow passengers to activate stop signals with their bodies as a source of energy using energy harvesting wireless technology developed by EnOcean Technology. Olympics-hosting London is equipped with new hybrid Eco-Routemaster buses transporting thousands of sports fans throughout the capital. The act of pressing the bell push generates enough electrical power for a wireless module to activate the stop display and audible stop signal. The wireless bell push system, manufactured by UK company BMAC, compliments the green concept of the new London buses which use diesel hybrid technology. Where other push-buttons need to be connected to the signal receiver at the bus driver's position via metres of cable, the BMAC stop button functions with the EnOcean miniaturised ECO 200 energy converter, which offers more than 300,000 switching cycles and a small battery-less wireless module. The radio signal is unique to each stop button, ensuring no interference with other buttons in this bus or other buses nearby. The receiver module connects to the vehicle's electrical system. After installation, each stop button in a bus is programmed for its own logic circuit - for example, front, middle, rear, or wheelchair users. The energy-harvesting wireless approach saves up to 100 metres of cabling in the bus, saving installation effort and avoiding the need to replace defective cables, which can be time-consuming. "The concept of a wireless bell push system has been an aspiration for bus manufacturers for years. It takes many hours on the production line to wire up to 25 bell pushes into a vehicle," says Andy Overend, Sales Manager, BMAC Ltd. "Battery powered push buttons also prove inadequate as they require routine replacement, regular maintenance, and have a negative impact on the environment, especially in their waste cycle. Thanks to EnOcean's battery-less wireless technology we have developed a totally electro-mechanical Wireless Bell Push system - solving all these problems." BMAC EnOcean