Lower-limb-driven energy harvesting: Preliminary analysis

In this paper, we present a new lower limb driven biomechanical energy harvester and its preliminary performance analysis. An estimate of the mechanical available power, estimated user felt resistance, and preliminary testing were conducted in this study. The estimated total available mechanical power and user felt resistance are based on the kinematic motion data and the mathematical model of the energy harvester prototype. Two key advantages of the new model are: generation of a higher mean power and application to a wider range of subject motion. The device is mounted on a backpack with lower limb attachments. Power generation occurs during the swing phase where negative power occurs. The new energy harvester prototype is capable of harvesting power on the same order of magnitude as previous models.