Rail based electric power generation system

An electrical power generation system for a railroad system having a rail, comprising:

• means for driving a first capacitor plate with respect to a second capacitor plate in response to a vehicle traveling on the rail;
• means for charging the first and second capacitor plates;
• and
• means for biasing the first and second plates apart from one another.

A method of generating electric power via a vehicle traveling on a rail, comprising:

• driving a first capacitor plate with respect to a second capacitor plate in response to a vehicle operating on the rail;
• charging the first and second capacitor plates;
• and
• biasing the first and second plates apart from one another.

An electrical power generation system for a transportation system, comprising:

• a power generation device;
• a first and second electrical capacitance portions that are electrically coupled to the power generation device and that are configured to store positive and negative charge respectively;
• and
• a biasing device configured to separate the first and second capacitance portions with respect to one another;
• wherein the first and second electrical capacitance portions are configured to move with respect to one another in response to a vehicle operating with respect to the transportation system.