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Ever wonder what happens to all the energy generated in public spaces like gyms, train stations, or parks? Right now, with few exceptions, nothing happens to it, but that may change. Every movement we make generates small amounts of energy that could be converted into electricity and stored. Pounding the pavement, running on a treadmill, or pedaling a bicycle could produce the electricity we use to run an iPod or watch a television. This idea, called energy harvesting, is starting to attract attention at gyms and in public spaces around the world.

In what’s being billed as a green technology, human-powered devices are springing up in many forms. A recent CNN article profiles Italian inventor Lucien Gambarota, who has designed equipment for California Fitness, a gym in Hong Kong run on energy harvesting technology. “One of the oldest types of energy used by people is muscular energy — so this is nothing new.” Gambarota created “exercycles ,” similar to a stationary bike but with one clever difference: it’s connected to a generator for storing the energy created by pedaling it.

The introduction of energy harvesting equipment in a heavily-used gym could generate enough electricity to run the lights, power TVs, or keep the music playing on the gym’s stereo system. In addition to California Fitness, a human-powered gym is slated to open in Portland Oregon this month. The Green Microgym expects to generate up to 750 watts per hour. Founder Adam Boesel told the L.A. Times, “We are creating a neighborhood gym that is as comfortable and effective as any other. At the same time, our members are doing their part to help the Earth.”

Gyms aren’t the only facilities looking to turn muscle energy into electricity. A “sustainable dance club” in the Netherlands is set to open in September. The floor itself will employ electricity capture-and-storage technology. Wheels underneath the dance floor will move slightly as dancers impact it, which will cause coils and magnets embedded in the floor to create electric charges. Another method of this technology has been used elsewhere; “piezoelectricity” utilizes crystals embedded in the floor to generate charges. Both of these technologies could be used in high-traffic public places, such as subway and train stations or airports. They may even jump to individual homes, where people will cycle to power their TVs and overhead lights.

While the amount of electricity generated by human power is small compared to other renewable methods, the idea is intriguing. All the small movements we do throughout the day could be captured and turned into a positive, free, and clean source of power. The idea of energy harnessing is attracting attention all around the globe, and while the impact of this renewable energy source may be small, it certainly is compelling.

Monday, August 25th, 2008 leave a response

By Haley January Eckels