Lasted edited by Andrew Munsey, updated on June 15, 2016 at 12:45 am.
Directory of technologies and resources pertaining to generating electricity by the walking or step action of humans.
With all the walking, jogging, treadmilling, climbing that we do as people, it makes sense to strap on some kind of gizmo that can convert some of that energy into electricity to power our portable devices -- as long as it doesn't sapp our power from normal activities where we're not wanting extra exercise.
Page moved here from Directory:Human-Powered April 29, 2010
‘Motorized Knee’ gives runners a leg up - Designed by researchers at Japan’s Tsukuba University the 'motorized knee' supports the flex of the knee, which enables a runner to use 30 percent less muscle power compared to running unassisted. (GizMag Dec. 17, 2009)
Powerbocking: jump like a kangaroo, run like a gazelle & stride like a giant - They’re enough to fulfill anyone’s dreams of bionic powers: jump six feet in the air (and over cars, if you’re in the mood), run at 25 miles an hour or more, and stride nine feet at a time. But, instead of costing Six Million Dollars, you can invest in a pair of “powerbocks” for just a couple of hundred. (GizMag July 27, 2009)
nPower PEG Charges Your Gadgets From The Spring In Your Step - The nPower PEG (Personal Energy Generator) is a device that harvests the kinetic energy of your walking and turns it into electricity, charging most devices up to 80% with just one hour’s worth of walking. (''Oh Gizmo!" Jan. 10, 2009)
Directory:Strike-Heel Generation - This directory is dedicated to piezoelectric and heel-strike generation systems for generating power from "good vibrations". (PESWiki June 20, 2008)
Directory:Piezoelectric / Directory:Human-Powered > Directory:Human-Powered by Step Action > Shoe Generator Harvests Power from Walking - A researcher at Louisiana Tech University designed a shoe that contains a small generator in its sole that generates a piezoelectric charge, which is then converted into electricity for charging batteries or powering small electronics in real time. Kaajakari employed a low-cost, polymer transducer, a soft, flexible material that replaces the shoe’s heel shock absorber without sacrificing user experience. (Science Daily Apr. 27, 2010)Freeplay Energy - Self-Sufficient products give you freedom from traditional power sources, combining wind-up and rechargeable power into portable radios, flashlights, lanterns and mobile phone chargers. The FreeCharge Portable Energy Source, powered by human step action, wind, solar or plug power, is able to jump start a vehicle battery or power a variety of accessories.
Backpack straps harvest energy to power electronics - All that rubbing of your backpack straps on your shoulders may be put to good use, now that researchers have designed a novel type of energy harvesting backpack with straps made of a piezoelectric material that can convert the mechanical strain on the straps into electrical energy. (''PhysOrg' Sept. 13, 2007)
Generating Power From Revolving Doors - Fluxxlab in New York is developing a "Revolution Door" that is basically a turbine powered by people as they enter or exit a building, using a redesigned central core to efficiently convert the motion of the spinning door into electricity. (Inhabitat Feb. 7, 2008)
Penn Biologists Invent Power-Generating Backpack - The "Suspended-load Backpack" converts mechanical energy from walking into electricity -- up to 7.4 Watts -- more than enough energy to power portable electronic devices for soldiers, field researchers or disaster relief-workers. (PESN Sept. 8, 2005)
Applied Motion - The SpringWalker body amplifier is a new breed of vehicles with legs and an energy recovery system to enhance the human running gait. Leg force is increased and body weight distributed by means of a leveraged exoskeleton and a single spring is coupled to both legs. It will have you trotting four-minute miles without tiring and scrambling up a mountain like an ATV.
Applied Innovative Technologies - NightStar® LED Magnetic Force Shake Flashlight is the perfect emergency flashlight - waterproof, no batteries, bulbs or maintenance required.
Phones recharge themselves with physical activity - The YoYo will slowly roll up and down in front of you, generating kinetic energy to repower itself. The U-Turn recovers energy from the opening and closing of the keypad to recharge its batteries. The Runaway can capture the kinetic energy you're creating when moving about. ModeLabs Group (Mobile Magazine December 20, 2006)
Wilderness Solutions - Using air and the heat of compression, like a diesel engine, this remarkable device creates a burning ember with a single push. The Fire Piston is a primitive fire starting device that reliably lights a campfire without matches, lighter or magnesium.
Fossil Kinetic Watches: Never Change a Battery Again - Fossil now has a line of watches that are powered by the motion of your arm movement, requiring no winding or replacement of batteries. Carries 11-year warranty, and costs $95 in contrast to the Ventura kinetic watch that costs $2,200. (TreeHugger June 19, 2006)