Generating Electricity While Walking with Loads

by Lawrence C. Rome et al. Science, 9 Sep 2005 We have developed the suspended-load backpack, which converts mechanical energy from the vertical movement of carried loads to electricity during normal walking, generating up to 7.4 watts. Unexpectedly, little extra metabolic energy (as compared to that expended carrying a rigid backpack) is required during electricity generation. This is probably due to a compensatory change in gait or loading regime, which reduces the metabolic power required for walking. This electricity generation can help give field scientists, explorers, and disaster-relief workers freedom from the heavy weight of replacement batteries and thereby extend their ability to operate in remote areas. Read more