Researchers Develop Power-Producing Backpack

Iria · Sep 8, 2005, 08:16 PM

Energetic Walking May Give One Day's Juice to Your Mobile Electronics

Sept. 8, 2005 — Relief workers wandering through the hurricane-damaged areas of the Gulf Coast carry a heavy burden — literally.

In addition to food, potable water, medical supplies, flashlights, radios and other electronic gear such as GPS satellite receivers, some crews — rescue teams and National Guard soldiers, for examples — must carry other weighty tools while on duty.

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a new type of backpack that actually generates electricity as a load-bearer walks. Lawrence C. Rome, a professor at the university's Department of Biology and the lead researcher of the project, says the concept behind the device is pure simplicity.

"When you walk, your hips move about five to seven centimeters [about 2 to 3 inches] vertically," says Rome. "That's because you have a straight leg, that when you plant it on the ground, it's actually lifting you — sort of like when a pole-vaulter plants his pole and then is lifted up — in an arc as you move forward."

Most people don't notice those tiny up-and-down motions while walking. But Rome did and he set out with his research team — Louis Flynn, an engineer, and postdoctoral fellows Evan M. Goldman and Taeseung D. Yoo — to turn those small oscillations into pure electrical energy.
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Read More / Source: ABC News

Sep 8, 2005, 08:16 PM	#1
Iria DriverHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 7,275 Rep Power: 89	Researchers Develop Power-Producing Backpack Energetic Walking May Give One Day's Juice to Your Mobile Electronics Sept. 8, 2005 — Relief workers wandering through the hurricane-damaged areas of the Gulf Coast carry a heavy burden — literally. In addition to food, potable water, medical supplies, flashlights, radios and other electronic gear such as GPS satellite receivers, some crews — rescue teams and National Guard soldiers, for examples — must carry other weighty tools while on duty. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a new type of backpack that actually generates electricity as a load-bearer walks. Lawrence C. Rome, a professor at the university's Department of Biology and the lead researcher of the project, says the concept behind the device is pure simplicity. "When you walk, your hips move about five to seven centimeters [about 2 to 3 inches] vertically," says Rome. "That's because you have a straight leg, that when you plant it on the ground, it's actually lifting you — sort of like when a pole-vaulter plants his pole and then is lifted up — in an arc as you move forward." Most people don't notice those tiny up-and-down motions while walking. But Rome did and he set out with his research team — Louis Flynn, an engineer, and postdoctoral fellows Evan M. Goldman and Taeseung D. Yoo — to turn those small oscillations into pure electrical energy. ____________ Read More / Source: ABC News