There are already over 80 gyms in the United States outfitted with energy collectors on their various exercise machines. One in particular, the Green Microgym in Portland Oregon, is completely outfitted with generators. But, it isn't completely off the grid. Even though a gym's power budget is based on lights, environmental control, and various computer based exercise machines the power generated by the 200 members isn't enough to impress. It is a step in the right direction.
The main problem begins with the cost of each retrofit generator, which comes to be around $1000 per machine. So, with 200 machines, this can be a sizable investment. Similar to solar cells, these generators only produce results when used. If you have ever been to a gym, you'll see a lot of unused equipment just rusting away. And with the 1-2 month motivation span from each gym member, the devices will take quite a long time to pay for themselves.
It is a step in the right direction. As generators become more efficient, these simple ideas will be far more useful. Just imagine adding the same generators to all public doors, or really, anything that moves. Micro energy harvesting will most likely be all the rage in a few years. It's unfortunate that, often, it takes more energy to produce the generators than they themselves produce in a year or more.
Anyone go to a gym that has generators on the cycles?
Cabe
PS. Although expensive, a power generating cycler, VisCycle, can be ordered directly from the Green Microgym's website site. That is a great idea. Here is another great idea, harnessing childrens' excess energy and turn it into Kilowatt-hours!
