Energy Generating Backpack
by Tim McGee, Helena, MT, USA on 09. 8.05
Electric generating backpacks are the latest must have trail gear, but as loyal Treehugger readers know, there is more then one way to generate electricity. Lawrence Rome, a biologist at the University of Pennsylvania has led the development of a backpack that can generate around 7 watts of electricity, without solar cells, and actually providing a more comfortable backpack in the process. Taking advantage of vertical motion, much like some wave generators, the backpack harnesses body movements while hiking. The spring mechanism involved appears to ‘cushion’ the movement of the backpack on the wearer, leaving those who have tried it saying it is more comfortable then standard gear. The net weight gain of the device only appears to be a few ounces. Providing robust power generation on the move has long been the dream of anyone exploring the rugged wilds of our world, including rescue workers, military, and field scientists, and Treehuggers with a gadget fixation (who me?).
The backpack takes advantage of the external frame design, attaching the spring mechanism between the cargo compartment and the frame. The more weight you have, and the ‘harder’ you hike, the more energy you can generate. The best part for me is that 7 watts is more then enough to power most of you equipment, a 10 mile hike could charge your cell phone, GPS, and possibly more (by my calculations). The implications are amazing, and the best part is, the device actually improves on the old ‘non-spring’ standard. From the National Geographic News:
"Why it works so well is unclear…Perhaps the device reduces the mechanical work required of muscles to walk while carrying a load."
"Imagine that you step up on a rock with a rigid backpack. That weight has to go up instantly—it can't hang on the ground. … [I]n a suspended backpack, when you step up, the load lags behind you," he [Rome] said. The effect is like that of a shock absorber, he explained.
Taking design and innovation to the next level, Lawrence Rome’s work is featured in this weeks Science (subscription). I can’t wait to get my hands on one of these packs, and wondering if this is a possible DIY device, or kit. Hike On! ::Science ::National Geographic News
Solar backpacks don't make that much sense since most of us don't hike in the desert...a beautiful leafy canopy makes for a flat cellphone battery. This is much better!
I really like this idea! Have anyone thought on harvesting the energy generated by people in treadmills? All those people at the gyms, how much energy is that?
This looks like a greta idea. The only thing that concerns me is the reciprocating mass. I know when I've been backpacking, anything loose or bouncing around in or on the pack can be very annoying.
Looks promising though.
Chris
http://amateureconblog.blogspot.com/
"I really like this idea! Have anyone thought on harvesting the energy generated by people in treadmills? All those people at the gyms, how much energy is that?"
yeah when is someone going to get on that?? I mean there's only like, a thousand people who talk about it.....
Looks interesting. I am curious on how much it weighs? What is its maximum load it can carry? How does having it at a full load affect the individual carrying it? Does the backpacker tire quicker than using a traditional pack carrying the same weight due to the motion bouncing ariund on their back?
Great idea but is it really practicle for long distance?
I've heard of someone (a biologist or field research person) designing shoes with small water pump generators in the heels. Combine the two and theres plenty of 'free' energy.
Heel pumps and backpack generators will be more tiring to use than not, given the emphasis on lighter weight shoes and packs that compress into a solid mass. A more practical alternative might be a small winder-generator, perhaps? They have gone through many generations of improvement, so cost will be low as well, right?
We cannot stop thinking. When we do stop thinking, we give up all hope and our life force dries up. "On Teb, ON!"
I'd love to have this to play around with.
I've thought of a way to use this with those "until now" useless 8 foot tall windmills people use for yard decoration. So who's selling them?
Nice nice. A lot of useful here. Such disscussions make our surfing not so useless
Thanks for all.
child
Can I just make one?
t
Why cant you guys just SELL all these energy-saving stuff??????!I know a WHOLE bunch of people who would buy them.....hey anyone heard of a BIKE generator?you know like when you pedal it converts your energy into electricity for your computer or tv or something........obviously NOONE IS SELLING THAT stuff!I CANT FIND IT ANYWHERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
do you hug trees