Energy Optimization and Human Bio-Mechanical Performance Analysis Using Novel All Four Limbs Based Energy Harvester

This paper presents a specifically-built novel all four limbs-based human energy harvester with bio-feedback and criteria to maximize human bio-mechanical energy output at a defined power level. The developed energy harvester decouples the human upper and lower limbs energy generation while giving a full-body workout. A Graphical User Interface was embedded to monitor the human rider's heart rate, respiratory rate, generated electrical energy, lower and upper limbs power in real-time. In the implemented energy maximization criteria, an optimum leg-to-hand power ratio was obtained. This optimum power ratio maximizes the rider's energy output at a defined power level. The output energy variations of untrained Sri Lankan citizens were acquired experimentally using pre-defined power levels and the maximum and minimum energy output were observed at 60W and 120W power levels for each test subject. Over 200W maximum electrical power output was achieved for an untrained Sri Lankan citizen by utilizing the energy harvester.

I. Introduction

Throughout human existence, the primary human energy used has been kinetic energy. The movement and energy generated by the human body with its skeletal and muscular systems have been used over the centuries to propel lives and civilizations forward [1]. In the early days of civilizations, tools were used by humans that increased the force, a human could exert on an object such as stone hammers, knives, axes, arrowheads, and spears as well as tools that increased human carrying power capacities, such as baskets woven from animal fibers or plants. So unknowingly, tools were built to extract human energy to facilitate lifestyle in early civilizations.