Backpack Generator

2005_pr_02_04

Nasa Tech Briefs Description
A Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) biomechanics expert who studies how muscle
moves skeletons in fish and frogs has invented a backpack that enables wearers
to generate their own electricity. The Suspended-load Backpack is a piece of
gear that will one day enable field scientists, hikers, explorers, soldiers,
and disaster-relief workers to convert mechanical energy generated by walking
with a heavy load on their backs into electricity.

By carrying a load weighing from 44 to 84 pounds, backpack testers were able
to generate up to 7.4 Watts -- more than enough electricity to simultaneously
power an MP3 player, a PDA, night-vision goggles, a handheld GPS, a CMOS image
decoder, a GSM terminal in talk mode, and Bluetooth. The electricity can be
used while it is being generated, or it can be stored in a lightweight
rechargeable battery for later use, greatly reducing the need to haul and
use heavy replacement batteries.