Portable Generator Harnesses Energy From Your Bike

November 4th, 2008 by Ariel Schwartz

Yesterday we took a look at the energy-harvesting bionic knee brace. Continuing with this trend of human movement-induced energy production, designer Deco Goodman has created the Commuter Cyclist’s Sustainable Energy Source. The device, which is located in the rear tail-light assembly, captures energy generated in the seat post spring and the brakes during movement.

Goodman’s design uses a tower of piezoelectric chips as shock absorbers. When jostled, the chips generate electricity and charge the portable storage unit attached to the bike.

Unfortunately, Goodman doesn’t provide details on the amount of energy created by his device, though it is not unreasonable to think that it would be enough to partially power an iPod or cell phone. And since the device was created as part of an Infrastructure Design Class this past year, we probably won’t see it on the market anytime soon. Here’s hoping some enterprising manufacturer contacts Goodman and gets this out on store shelves.

Photo Credit: Deco Goodman









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