Kinetic Energy Green

Last weekend, my daughter and I walked 24 hours to raise money for the American Cancer Society. We walked with about 20 others and one of the primary ways our fellow relay walkers stayed entertained was with music devices or cell phones. One of the most powerful personal motivators was the text messages of love and support we received throughout the walk from far flung friends and relatives. Until the devices ran out of charge. Wouldn't it be fabulous if we could convert the energy from our footsteps into power for our electronics? Turns out, that's not such a far flung idea.

In fact, Aaron LaMieux asked himself that very question while backpacking through the Appalachian Trail. Aaron's engineering background led him to recognize the wasted kinetic energy as his backpack rubbed against his shoulders and hips with every step. His question led him to invent the nPower PEG,  Personal Energy Generator. This device generates power from movement. His Cleveland, Ohio based company, Tremont Electric, is a sustainable company that is dedicated to providing renewable energy to consumers around the world through a unique method of  kinetic energy harvesting. In March 2011, Fast Company named Tremont Electric one of the 10 Most Innovative Companies in Consumer Electronics.

As a practical example of how minutes moved convert to power,

• 1 minute of walking provides approximately 1 minute of listening time
on an iPod Nano
• 11 minutes of walking provides approximately 1 minute of talk time
on an iPhone 2G
• 26 minutes of walking provides approximately 1 minute of talk time
on an iPhone 3G

The device has applications for anyone who moves, including; backpackers, runners, college students, armed forces, first responders/emergency relief, exercisers, foot or bike commuters, and travelers. Imagine not having to stop for batteries or worry if you'll be able to plug your device in to charge. Imagine the convenience of generating your own power, simply by moving.

The nPower PEG will be featured at next week's Consumer Electronics Week in NYC, after placing 2nd in the October 2010 Consumer Electronic Association competition for innovative electronics.

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