Power Generation through Footsteps

We are basically utilizing the energy, that is wasted during walking, and generate power through this, using some mechanical system. We are using rack and pinion mechanism that converts the mechanical energy into electrical energy using a generator that is installed at its end. The rack an

Project Title

Power Generation through Footsteps

Project Area of Specialization

Mechanical Engineering

Project Summary

We are basically utilizing the energy, that is wasted during walking, and generate power through this, using some mechanical system. We are using rack and pinion mechanism that converts the mechanical energy into electrical energy using a generator that is installed at its end. The rack and pinion system is installed in a suspension system. When the load is applied, the system suspends linearly downwards that forces the pinion to rotate, that causes the rotation in generator. This leads to the generation of power. This power is then passed through the rectifier and then supplied to the battery. A light source is connected with the battery. The Power lights up the light source. We have manufactured four mechanisms that are inter connected and give a mutual power outcome of almost 20 watts per step. 

Project Objectives

Seeking an alternative energy resource, it was noticeable that a large population can generate power from their footsteps. So, to overcome the increasing demand of energy, we are utilizing human force named it as Power Generation Through Footsteps. Our ultimate goal is to develop an affordable Vibration energy harvesting system which is capable of converting Kinetic energy through footsteps into useful electrical energy. Our aim is to produce energy by a renewable resource that has no negative effect on environment and its output can be used to overcome crises in Pakistan.

The main objectives are to produce a system that produce minimum 5 watt of energy per step for the load of 40 kg.

A power generating system which is suitable for implementation in congested regions and rural locations, such as railway stations, airports, and footpaths where there is a high volume of walkers.

The electrical power generated by this method can also be stored in a storage battery which is alternatey used for lighting up street lights, as well as traffic and road sign boards.

´The mechanism must be efficient & economical.

Project Implementation Method

There are two aspects to this process of electricity generating. First, human waste energy is converted into useful mechanical energy, and then mechanical energy is converted into electrical energy. By using a rack and pinion mechanism, the pressure energy generated by stepping or dancing on the floor is turned into mechanical energy.

The dynamo is then utilised to convert the generated rotational/mechanical energy into electric power. The pressure energy generated by people walking or dancing on the floor is converted into vertical motion of the  floor with the help of springs, and there is a rack fixed to the floor that helps to convert the vertical linear motion into rotational motion with the help of a pinion attached to it in the first part of energy conversion.

Furthermore, with the help of speed-increasing gears and a ratchet mechanism, this mechanical energy is transferred to the dynamo, which is then utilised to generate power. The amount of total power generated by the mechanism is determined by the number of rack and pinion mechanisms utilised, as well as the quantity and type of dynamo used. A battery is provided for power storage. In this case, electrical power is generated in a non-traditional manner by just walking or jogging on the footstep.

Benefits of the Project

The electrical power that is produced by footsteps is mostly suitable at where the numbers of pedestrians are more and also crowdie places.

The places such as:

• Universities 
• Bus Stands
• Arrival and departure of passengers at air ports 
• Shopping Mall
• Food streets
• Footpath
•  Markets

Pedestrian bridges this is the finest purpose of generating power by footsteps. Its cost is very low. This power then used for lights on bridge, street light, also light used for traffic purpose.

 These all are the places where just planting of system cost matter and as this cost is fairly low so unlimited input and high power will produce

Another feature of this power production system is that it is safe and secure to use it continues to function without causing any problems or pain to the people, and it is a completely risk-free approach,

Footstep power generation have mechanical part as well as electrical part but this system has not so many losses, also this system is not damaged completely by any sort of thing and this system has very low cost of equipment and components.

The electrical power generated by this method can also be stored in a storage battery.

Technical Details of Final Deliverable

when the minimum load of 40kg is applied on the top plate of the frame it produces a stroke which displaces the rack, while the whole load is subjected to the frame , the rack observes bout 2 inches of displacement that causes thr rptaion in gear and due o this the shaft experiences rotation of 150 rpm. when the load is removed the frame move back to its original position which should ultimately cause anti rotation in the shaft. To overcame this flaw, we installed oneway rachet bearing inbetween the gear and shaft .flywheel was introduced that absorps the rotational energy and allows the shaft to rotate for some specific time. . A pulley is attached at the end of the shaft and is linked with the other pulley of the generaor with the help of a belt this causes the generator to start its rotation . This whole mechanism ultimately leads to the generaion of power.  At the end of this mechanism rectifier was installed and then this power was sent to the only battery.  we have made a total of four same prototypes and all of the prototypes' generated power is collected in the only battery . there is a light source connected with the battery and it lights out when the power is provided to it by the battery. 

Final Deliverable of the Project

Hardware System

Core Industry

Energy

Other Industries

Manufacturing

Core Technology

Others

Other Technologies

Sustainable Development Goals

Good Health and Well-Being for People

Required Resources

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