Analysis of a Treadmill Based Human Power Electricity Generator

Abstract

The modern challenge faced with the global energy situation is the growing energy demand and the strong dependence on unsustainable fossil fuels. Another concurrent issue is the adverse health and socio-economic implications of adult obesity. Human Power Generation, which uses metabolized human energy to generate electrical power, could potentially address both these challenges. The treadmill, one of the most popular exercise machines, presently consumes large amounts of energy while dissipating a majority as heat. The purpose of this thesis project was to design and develop a human powered treadmill generator and determine its power generation potential. The developed treadmill was based on a manual flatbed treadmill using an electromagnetic dynamo generator coupled to a front axle flywheel. A heavy duty rechargeable battery pack was used to store the generated energy and additional components to measure the generated power were included. The power generating potential of the generator was determined for varying belt speeds and angles of inclination, and compared with the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) metabolic walking and running prediction equations to determine efficiency. The generator was able to deliver 140W peak power for a short period of time. Regression equations related the power generated to the belt speed, covering values ranging from an average 10.8±0.36W at 1.83±0.045m/s to 90.3±3.04W at 2.38±0.054m/s. The angle of inclination did not have a significant impact on energy generation. The max average efficiency obtained for the system in this study was 37.9±2.63%, assuming 25% gait efficiency. Possible applications for this concept include energy saving equipment in a gym, low-cost, simple to operate, and low maintenance solutions for developing nations, and as a tool to educate energy conservation. Also, the need for exercise in space with low gravity makes the treadmill generator a possible source for secondary power in future extraterrestrial environments.