Human power generation design assessment: an evaluation of ergonomic risk, metabolic burden, and overall design efficiency
by Richard T. Stone
International Journal of Human Factors and Ergonomics (IJHFE), Vol. 1, No. 3, 2012

Abstract: The ability to generate power from human motion is gaining more interest as electronic devices become a ubiquitous part of our lives. In this research, we report on a broad assessment of nine human power generation (HPG) devices. The objective of the evaluation was to investigate the impact that HPG design has in terms of ergonomics risks, perceived exertion, energy generation potential, metabolic requirement, and overall energy efficiency. Sixteen participants served as test subjects, each of whom were tasked with using the nine HPG devices. Subject data was collected using electrocardiogram (EKG), respiration, rapid entire body assessment (REBA) and relative perceived exertion (RPE) measures with a Labview system monitoring electrical generation activity attributed to the HPG devices themselves. The results indicated that the designs tested differed significantly in terms of ergonomics risks and overall energy efficiency. Overall, the knee brace and seat compression devices performed best. The lowest rated HPG devices included the slider and stretch pulling designs.

Online publication date: Sat, 16-Aug-2014

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