What happens when you really need to make that call, use your GPS, or listen to the song, but your mobile device's battery just ran out? There have been a number of products designed to help people recharge their devices on the go, but the following are special in that they convert energy from the user's own body into electricity that can charge portable electronics. Charging devices with body power, whether it's by converting kinetic energy or body heat, is helpful for outdoor exploring, travel, or emergencies, and is a type of renewable energy that does not rely on a sunny day or strong wind to work.
Etón American Red Cross Clipray LED Flashlight & USB Cell Phone Charger
This LED flashlight and USB cell phone charger is powered by a hand crank. Energy is stored in an internal battery. It's particularly suited for emergencies and outdoor use. Weighing only 138 grams and including a built-in carabiner clip, it's built for portability. Endorsed by the American Red Cross, Etón also donates a portion of profits to the organization.
One minute of cranking provides 10 minutes of light. The charging times for cell phones vary due to differences in batteries and power requirements.
Cost: US$15
http://www.etoncorp.com/product_card/?p_ProductDbId=1519313
Other similar products, such as the SOS Charger (http://www.soscharger.com/) are also on the market.
Dahon Biologic ReeCharge™ Power Pack
The BioLogic ReeCharge Power Pack is essentially a rechargeable lithium battery that can be charged using a bicycle, and used to power a wide range of personal electronic devices. A full charge of the ReeCharge takes about three hours and is approximately enough to fully recharge an iPhone. It buffers the incoming and outgoing electrical current to make it safe for devices. The ReeCharge is detachable so that it can be carried around and used when needed, and, alternatively, it can be recharged using a wall outlet or computer's USB. Though there are additional charging options, it is designed with bike use in mind- it attaches easily to a bike stem and is weatherproofed with a splash-proof silicone housing and sealed connectors. It connects to commonly available bicycle hub dynamos (often used to power bike lights). The clever design and functionality of the ReeCharge make it a standout. The same company also sells an iPhone bike mount so the phone may be more easily used on the go.
Cost: US$120
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8RFlznzmTE
http://www.thinkbiologic.com/products/reecharge-power-pack
http://www.gizmag.com/dahons-biologic-bike-recharge-usb/15407/
Tremont Electric nPower PEG
The nPower PEG is a backup charger for personal electronic devices that harnesses kinetic energy as you walk, run, or bike around. It utilizes patented technology to try to optimize energy capture. The PEG contains a rechargeable lithium battery and uses a USB connector. Walking with the nPower PEG for 26 minutes generates enough power for approximately 1 minute of talk time on a 3G phone call. In a pinch, it can also be directly shaken to generate power more quickly.
Cost: US$160
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcZZTohRr_E
http://www.inc.com/ss/kinetic-energy-chargers#4
Orange Power Wellies (Prototype)
The European telecom giant Orange collaborated with renewable energy experts GotWind to create a power-generating sole that converts heat from people's feet into electrical current. The “Orange Power Wellies” were field tested at the 2010 Glastonbury Festival, perhaps the world's largest music festival, in England. In addition, the Wellies made Time Magazine's 50 Best Inventions of 2010 list.
The soles of the “wellies” (a term for Wellington rain boots) have thermoelectric plates inserted into them which generate electricity from the temperature differential between the cool side near the ground and the warmer side near the foot. The electricity generated by the boots can be stored and a cellphone or other device can be connected and charged later. It's no miracle charging solution, though- it still takes 12 hours of stomping around to charge a mobile phone for one hour of use (or, as Orange's press release notes, you can dance more, make your feet hotter, and generate even more electricity).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWcjYvwtw1Q
http://gotwind.org/orange_power_wellies.htm#
http://www.time.com/time/specials/packages/article/0,28804,2029497_2030623_2029815,00.html
-By Eli Kao
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