A group of students from Rice University, under the guidance and sponsorship of Cameron International, was given the task to create a device that could be useful to generate electricity through the usual daily human activity. Thus was born the prototype device PediPower, which is installed on the shoes and collects kinetic energy.
After learning the process of distribution of body weight on the surface of the human foot, the students have come to the conclusion that the best place to install the device will heel area. It is this part of the leg, in the case, of course, not about the runners, first touches the surface and is potentially an ideal place for the generation of kinetic energy.
Himself PediPower prototype consists of a special unit with the mechanical parts of the generating coil and special kind of lever, which is attached to the shoe sole heel area (in this case). When a person takes a step, the heel lever is pressed and moves the mechanical gears of motor that generates electricity, which in turn goes to a special belt with a battery.
Indoor tests show that prototype thus generates an average of 400 milliwatts of power at the week that is slightly lower real index which is obtained by normal walking. Currently, a team of researchers looking for a way to increase energy output and reduce the size of the device. Who is the prototype looks very cumbersome and not very comfortable. However, work in progress, and to the students for further development will soon be joined by another team of scientists that will help them to reduce the size of the device, making it more comfortable to wear and at the same time increase the rate it receives energy.
The developers themselves PediPower hope their device sooner or later will have the opportunity for commercial use. After all, in such a compact generator can be, for example, charging smartphones on the go, without looking for the nearest power outlet. In addition, the project sponsor company Cameron International is currently working with the Texas Heart Institute on the project of creating artificial heart valves new generation. The students hope that their technology will find a place for the application and there.