National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Human power generation in space
Rutgers symposium on lunar settlement
6/7/07
Beth Lewandowski, NASA Glenn Research Center
Kenneth Gustafson, Case Western Reserve University
Douglas Weber, University of Pittsburgh
www.nasa.gov
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Authors’ background and interests
• Power performance of
conditioned muscle
• Implantable muscle
powered generators for
neural prostheses
• Interest in external
generators
References:
1.
Gustafson KJ, Marinache SM, Egrie GD, Reichenbach SH, Models of metabolic utilization predict limiting conditions for
sustained power from conditioned skeletal muscle. Annals of Biomedical Engineering, Vol. 34, No. 5, May 2006, pp. 790 –
798.
2.
Lewandowski BE, Kilgore KL, Gustafson KJ, Design considerations for an implantable, muscle powered piezoelectric system
for generating electrical power. Annals of Biomedical Engineering, Vol. 35, No. 4, April 2007, pp. 631 – 641. www.nasa.gov
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Introduction
• Assuming 40% of a 2000 Calorie/day diet is used for
physical activity,
• 3.35 MJ of energy/day is used to perform activities.
• Approximate mechanical energy performed during
some physical activities:
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Walking/Running (0.49 J/kg*step)
Stair climbing (1.96 J/kg*step)
Cycling (88.2 J/rev)
Lifting (9.8 J/kg*m)
References:
1.
Starner T., Paradiso J.A., Human generated power for mobile electronics, In Low-power electronics design, Piguet, C.
CRC Press, Boca Raton, 2005.
2.
Powers S.K., Howley E.T., Exercise physiology: Theory and application to fitness and performance. McGraw Hill
Companies, New York, 2004.
www.nasa.gov
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Introduction
• Humans produce work
during their activities on
Earth and in space
– Sunita Williams ran the
26.2 mile Boston marathon
on the ISS treadmill,
producing approximately
61 W of mechanical power
for 4.4 hours, or 962 kJ of
energy.
References:
1.
Starner T., Paradiso J.A., Human generated power for mobile electronics, In Low-power electronics design, Piguet, C.
CRC Press, Boca Raton, 2005.
2.
Powers S.K., Howley E.T., Exercise physiology: Theory and application to fitness and performance. McGraw Hill
Companies, New York, 2004.
www.nasa.gov
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Human power generation applications on Earth
• Boot generator for soldiers on the battlefield
• Power in remote locations
• Wearable computers
• Mobile electronics
• Biomedical sensors
References:
1.
http://www.nal.res.in/isssconf/finalisss/13_SA-13.pdf
2.
http://www.edn.com/article/CA6399099.html
3.
http://www.emagin.com/company/index.php
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Active vs. passive energy generation
• Active – using muscles to produce the work
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Hand cranking
Leg cranking
Shaking
Lifting
Pushing/pulling
• Passive – scavenging power with no increase in
metabolic activity
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–
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Heat
Breathing
Joint motion
Locomotion
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Examples of human powered generators
• Pedal generators
• Hand crank radios
• Shake generators for
flashlights
• Foot pump
• String powered generator
References:
1.
http://www.quakekare.com
2.
http://shop.npr.org
3.
http://www.windstreampower.com/
4.
http://www.freeplayenergy.com
5.
http://www.olpcnews.com/hardware/power_supply/potenco_string_power.html
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National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Examples of human powered generators
• Heel strike generators in shoes
• Inductive backpack
• Kinetic motion or thermal powered watch
References:
1.
J. Kymissis, C. Kendall, J. Paradiso, and N. Gershenfeld, "Parasitic power harvesting in shoes," 1998, pp. 132-139.
2.
http://www.dadafootwear,com
3.
L. C. Rome, L. Flynn, E. M. Goldman, and T. D. Yoo, "Generating electricity while walking with loads," Science, vol.
309, no. 5741, pp. 1725-1728, Sept.2005.
4.
http://www.seikowatches.com
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Examples of human powered generators
• Generators within flooring and stairs:
– Through use of a matrix of hydraulic
compression cushions, where footsteps push
fluid through a micro-turbine, generating
power that is stored in a super-capacitor.
• Gym equipment equipped
with generators to capture
50 W of power per person
per hour
References:
1.
http://www.the-facility.co.uk/energy_harvesting.php
2.
http://www.inhabitat.com/2007/03/08/human-powered-gyms-in-hong-kong/
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Advances in energy scavenging technologies
• Nanogenerator with zinc oxide fibers
• MEMS based microgenerators
• Piezoelectric material designed for energy
harvesting
• Ruggedized, Laminated Piezos (RLP’sTM)
• Piezoceramic fiber composites
References:
1.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2007/04/070405170334.htm
2.
http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/iod/iod130.html
3.
http://www.adaptivenergy.com/
4.
http://www.advancedcerametrics.com
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National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Advances in energy scavenging technologies
• Biothermal power source
• “Power skin” made from the protein prestin
that can produce electrical charges in
response to mechanical stresses
References:
1.
http://www.biophan.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=25&Itemid=119
2.
http://www.intactlabs.com/
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National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Advances in energy scavenging technologies
• Better storage methods for energy
scavenging
– Thin Film Battery
• Retains charge, more charge cycles
– Hybrid batteries
• Combines the best of capacitors and
batteries
– Microscopic batteries
• Matches with MEMS generators
– Energy harvesting modules
• Adapts to different frequencies and
modes of energy harvesting
References:
1.
http://www.infinitepowersolutions.com/
2.
http://www.lgchem.com/
3.
http://www.mdatechnology.net/techsearch.asp?articleid=423#sec6
4.
http://www.aldinc.com/
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Specific requirements for space
• No or reduced gravity in space
– Reduces mechanical work done against gravity (W = mgh)
• Astronaut fatigue a concern
– EVAs are fatiguing, do not want to increase metabolic expenditure
by requiring them to operate a generator
– Only energy scavenging appropriate in this case
• Exception is exercise
– Vigorous exercise is prescribed to counteract bone loss, muscle
atrophy, prevent cardiac deconditioning, promote mental health
– Exercise equipment is well suited for incorporating a power
generator
– Load applied that approaches 1 g levels
References:
1.
J. C. Buckey, Space Physiology. New York: Oxford University Press, Inc., 2006.
www.nasa.gov
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National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Power needs and power produced
• Example order of magnitude power needs during a mission
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CEV vehicle power – 10 kW
EVA suit – 100 W
PDAs, Laptops – W
Sensors – mW
• Example order of magnitude mechanical power produced by
humans during activities
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Breathing - mW
Touching - mW
Heat – W
Hand cranking - W
Lifting – 10 W
Walking/Running – 10 – 100 W
Pedaling – 100 W
References:
1.
Starner T., Paradiso J.A., Human generated power for mobile electronics, In Low-power electronics design, Piguet, C.
CRC Press, Boca Raton, 2005.
2.
Powers S.K., Howley E.T., Exercise physiology: Theory and application to fitness and performance. McGraw Hill
Companies, New York, 2004.
www.nasa.gov
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National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Possible niche applications of human power
generation in space
• Charge a laptop or PDA while exercising
• Communications equipment
• Charge a video player while exercising for a more
pleasant experience
– Something that might be excluded due to power budget
• Biomedical monitoring devices to eliminate batteries
in that device
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Ideas of human power generators for use in space
• Piezoelectric chest band generator
– Incorporated into ECG monitoring
• Exercise equipment
– Electromagnetic generator incorporated into
• Cycle ergometer
• Treadmill rollers
www.nasa.gov
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Conclusion
• There is power available from humans
– Through energy dissipation
– Through activities
• There are methods available for energy harvesting
• During the design phase of new space craft and a lunar base
there are opportunities to incorporate it into practice
• There may be advantages to using human power over
traditional methods in niche applications
– Provide backup/redundancy/emergency power
– Decrease battery recharge/replacement time
– Allow for extras not possible due to power budget
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National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Acknowledgements
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Max Donelan, Simon Fraser University
Bryan Palaszewski, NASA Glenn Research Center
Thomas Kerslake, NASA Glenn Research Center
Robert Cataldo, NASA Glenn Research Center
Homer Fincannon, NASA Glenn Research Center
Ron Colantonio, NASA Glenn Research Center
•
The NASA Glenn Research Center’s Space Processes & Experiments
Division and the NASA Glenn Advanced Capabilities Office
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Questions?
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