Many of us know the traditional ways of generating
renewable energy through wind,
solar,
geothermal,
hydro,
biomass,
and even ocean
- but what about the non-traditional methods that are available? In a creative
world there are countless ways to generate and harness energy, even through
human movement!
Dancing
Eco-friendly nightclubs are slowly becoming a trend all
over the world. For example, Temple
Nightclub in San Francisco generates energy through the floor which compresses by
10 millimetres when stepped on and produces roughly 35 watts per module.
Exercise
An increasing number of fitness centers are incorporating
equipment that store energy produced through exercise. Exercise is a great way
to create kinetic energy and is very convenient since it is such a common daily
activity that many people engage in. The Green Microgym in Portland Oregon “generates
as much as 40 percent of its own electricity from solar panels and exercise
machines like stationary bikes”.
Sports
With golf being one of the most popular sports on Earth,
it's not surprising that inventors are looking for ways to "go green"
on the green. Mac Funamizu has designed a device that allows you to practice
your golf swing and also charge your smart phone by harnessing the kinetic
energy of the swing!
Walking
Walking is perhaps one of the simplest and easiest ways
to generate energy and the nPower Peg helps to capture and use this energy. The device has two sliders which move side to
side as you walk which causes the spring to generate kinetic energy which can
be used to power your electronic devices.
Source: The 9 Billion,
TreeHugger, Portland,
TreeHugger, Eco Friend, Kinetic Energys, Peg,
