Netherlands Train Station Features World's First Energy-Generating Revolving Door

December 10th, 2008 by Ariel Schwartz

I’ve noticed an increasing trend recently of people trying to squeeze out energy from every possible nook and cranny. The latest example of this is the world’s first energy-generating revolving door located at Natuurcafe La Port in the Netherlands.

The door, which will provide energy savings of about 4600 kWh each year, is part of a larger sustainable refurbishment of the railway station.

Natuurcafe’s door uses a generator that is driven by the energy applied when people pass through. Supercapacitators store the generated energy and provide a power supply for the ceiling’s LED lights. If the LED lights use up all the stored energy, the control unit switches to the building’s main energy supply.

A large display inside the railway station shows how much energy is being generated by the revolving door as a service to curious patrons.

Personally, I’d like to see the Natuurcafe amp up its energy-generating capacity with a piezoelectric floor.

Photo Credit: Natuurcafe La Port









Appreciate CleanTechnica’s originality? Consider becoming a CleanTechnica member, supporter, or ambassador — or a patron on Patreon.

Sign up for our free daily newsletter or weekly newsletter to never miss a story.

Have a tip for CleanTechnica, want to advertise, or want to suggest a guest for our CleanTech Talk podcast? Contact us here.

Latest Cleantech Talk Episode