Harvesting Energy from the Counterbalancing (Weaving) Movement in Bicycle Riding

Abstract

Bicycles are known to be rich source of kinetic energy, some of which is available for harvesting during speedy and balanced maneuvers by the user. A conventional dynamo attached to the rim can generate a large amount of output power at an expense of extra energy input from the user. However, when applying energy conversion technology to human powered equipments, it is important to minimize the increase in extra muscular activity and to maximize the efficiency of human movements. This study proposes a novel energy harvesting methodology that utilizes lateral oscillation of bicycle frame (weaving) caused by user weight shifting movements in order to increase the pedaling force in uphill riding or during quick speed-up. Based on the 3D motion analysis, we designed and implemented the prototype of an electro-dynamic energy harvester that can be mounted on the bicycle's handlebar to collect energy from the side-to-side movement. The harvester was found to generate substantial electric output power of 6.6 mW from normal road riding. It was able to generate power even during uphill riding which has never been shown with other approaches. Moreover, harvesting of energy from weaving motion seems to increase the economy of cycling by helping efficient usage of human power.

Energy Harvesting Research: The Road from Single Source to Multisource

“…Figure shows a novel electromagnetic energy harvester designed for application on a bicycle handle bars . Differing from the popular cantilever configuration that has been used in most electromagnetic energy harvesting research, a magnetic suspension structure was created.…”

“…a) Schematic and b) appearance of an electromagnetic energy harvester used for bicycle handle bars. Reproduced under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License . Copyright 2012, Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute.…”

Energy issues of bike sharing systems: From energy harvesting to contactless battery charging

“…Nonetheless, as available frequency is low and forces need to be high, transducers are expected to be large and with weak performance. Like represented on [17], the introduction of mechanical oscillators inside the bike frame could again give extra power, but apparently much less than the suggested controlled hub dynamo [2].…”

Opportunities and Challenges for Near-Field Wireless Power Transfer: A Review

“…Battery charging can be achieved during a temporary stop in stations based on receiving and transmitting coils, through the transmitting coil embedded in the roadway and receiving coil equipped on the bus or rail transit [42]. Yang et al [43] proposed an energy harvesting approach that used a bicycle motion to acquire kinetic energy. Their experimental results disclosed that more than 6.6 mW of energy could be obtained under regular cycling situations.…”