3.6 Human-Powered Energy Systems
3.6.1 Introduction
Human-powered energy systems have been around since the beginning of humankind and can be seen in many forms. Section 3.6 focuses on products characterized by the presence of a technical system converting muscular work into electricity. Some examples of this type of human-powered products are the dyno-torch (a flashlight powered by squeezing it), hand-cranked flashlights, and human-powered radios. Literature provides multiple synonyms for the conversion process involved in human-powered energy systems, that is, energy scavenging, energy harvesting, power from the people, and self-powering. Human power is generally defined as a nonconventional power source and is seen as a battery alternative for electrical products.
The first human-powered product (as defined within the boundaries of this section), the human-powered flashlight or dyno-torch, was produced by Philips as early as the pre–World War II era. Although the design and engineering have evolved, similar products are produced even today. Traditionally, these products were aimed at use scenarios where the user wanted to be independent from the grid. In 1988 the first human-powered quartz wristwatch was marketed by Seiko (Auto-Quartz, later named Seiko Kinetic). A next generation of human-powered products was introduced by the BayGen company in 1995, including ...
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