Energy News

Create Green Energy By Walking

Monday 11 February, 2008

By Denae D’Arcy

Scientists have released a new device that enables people to create energy while moving. The technology generates green energy using human muscle power.

The gadget, worn as a knee brace weighs three and a half pounds. Experts claim one minute of walking generates enough power to keep a mobile phone running for 10 minutes.

Max Donelan, Director of the Simon Fraser University Locomotion Lab in Canada says "People-power is a desirable thing to tap into it because we are these incredible batteries. We store enough energy in fat to charge a 1000 kilogram battery."

This is the latest invention to hit the green energy market and the technology comes in the form of backpacks, shoes and even flooring.

The device is known as a ‘Biomechanical Energy Harvester’ and converts muscle power into energy.

When humans walk, two groups of muscles in the legs work to perform the movement. One group allows for the stretching and momentum, the other group essentially throws on the ‘brakes’ which stops the movement. Donelan and his team discovered the braking motion creates mechanical energy which can be harvested and used.

Chris Eagle Commercial Manager for EnergyChoices.co.uk says “There are cheaper options to decrease your carbon footprint. Be sure to consider a green energy package. Also companies like British Gas (www.britishgas.co.uk) offer free energy checkups and advice on how to save energy with their personalised
Free Energy Savers Report."

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