Generating energy from the efforts of the masses working away in gyms seems such an obvious concept, yet in this age of 'Green is Good' then how come this isn't happening?
In fact, a Seattle-based company called PlugOut has actually developed the technology to convert this otherwise wasted energy into A/C electricity. The company has manged to achieve Cycle and Cross-Trainer machines can be plugged straight into the electric wall socket and will either contribute to the energy requirements of the building or be returned to the grid.
The equipment is the brainchild of co-founder Adam Boesel, a former teacher and engineer. He is also CEO of the Green Microgym, also based in Portland, Oregon. But whta about those all-important figures? According to ReRev, another company that retrofits gym equipment to capture human power, a 30 minute workout creates about 50 watts, which is enough electricity to run a laptop for one hour, a phone charger for six full charges or one energy-efficient light bulb for 2.5 hours. Boesel says “All the elliptical trainers and bicycles at the Green Microgym convert human energy. The human and solar power at the gym generated 36% of its electricity, saving about 37,000 kilowatt-hours in 2009.”
But there is an understanding to the company at least that the gym members produce only a fraction of the power required to run the facility. It is definitely an attractive marketing tool in a carbon-conscious world, and should serve to also remind people about their energy use.
Imagine if all of the gyms of the world had similar exercise equipment, thus enabling gyms to become a source of power rather than another resource drain? A good reason not to cancel the membership after the first few honeymoon months?
In fact, a Seattle-based company called PlugOut has actually developed the technology to convert this otherwise wasted energy into A/C electricity. The company has manged to achieve Cycle and Cross-Trainer machines can be plugged straight into the electric wall socket and will either contribute to the energy requirements of the building or be returned to the grid.The equipment is the brainchild of co-founder Adam Boesel, a former teacher and engineer. He is also CEO of the Green Microgym, also based in Portland, Oregon. But whta about those all-important figures? According to ReRev, another company that retrofits gym equipment to capture human power, a 30 minute workout creates about 50 watts, which is enough electricity to run a laptop for one hour, a phone charger for six full charges or one energy-efficient light bulb for 2.5 hours. Boesel says “All the elliptical trainers and bicycles at the Green Microgym convert human energy. The human and solar power at the gym generated 36% of its electricity, saving about 37,000 kilowatt-hours in 2009.”But there is an understanding to the company at least that the gym members produce only a fraction of the power required to run the facility. It is definitely an attractive marketing tool in a carbon-conscious world, and should serve to also remind people about their energy use.
Imagine if all of the gyms of the world had similar exercise equipment, thus enabling gyms to become a source of power rather than another resource drain? A good reason not to cancel the membership after the first few honeymoon months?
I met with Adam Boesel, the CEO of the Green Micro Gym whilst in Portland and had a tour of his facilities. Fantastic set up, don't hesitate to contact me at the Sporting Chance Initiative if you would like to find out more thea@suip.co.uk (http://us2.campaign-archive2.com/?u=55a49768606de25750b650d15&id=e33d0512c9)
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