An electric power generation system comprises a variable capacitor and a power source. The electric power generation system is configured to generate electrical energy through rail movements. The power supply is used in the form of a generator to prime the variable capacitor which effectively multiplies the priming energy from the energy source by drawing energy from the passing vehicle.
By alternately activating the variable capacitor using the load of the power source and subsequently discharging it in a cyclic manner to change the capacitance, a significantly large amount of electrical energy is produced due to the change in capacity from the power source itself.
Traditionally, operational data related to rail traffic and rail assets are collected in manned knots, such as a train yard or train depot. As an example, railroad workers often inspect lanes for damage and loading conditions. As an example, railway workers often inspect and invent the incoming and outgoing wagons to manage and facilitate the flow of traffic on a rail network. However, rail networks often stretch thousands of miles across sparsely populated and remote regions.
Unfortunately, traditional automated devices typically derive operational power from an external power source, which is generally not available in remote areas. That is, the automated device receives operating power that is generated at a remote location and delivered through a power network, and coupling the network to the device can be an expensive proposition, especially in remote areas. In some cases, local energy sources, such as batteries, have been used.