The nPower PEG (Personal Energy Generator) is a new device capable of transferring kinetic energy created by the human body to portable electronic devices such as iPods and GPS units. How does it work? Read on to find out more.
If you're the outdoors type or you're just interested in alternative energy, you'll probably appreciate the technology that's gone into the development of the nPower PEG. The PEG, short for Personal Energy Generator, is a lightweight device that can capture the kinetic energy your body creates when walking or running and convert it to a usable source of power for GPS units and other small mobile devices. (Click the image to the right for a larger view of the nPower PEG.)
In a company press release, the creators of the nPower PEG state that the device "is compatible with over 90% of handheld electronic devices, including cell phones, MP3 players, handheld gaming devices, handheld GPS, digital cameras, and more."
How do you use the device? Simply place the PEG in an upright position in your backpack or carrying bag. Hook it up to your mobile device using a mini USB 2.0 cable (with the proper adapter, if needed) and start walking. A typical device should receive "an 80% charge in one hour."
The nPower PEG only weighs about 9 ounces and measures 9 inches in length. The central cylinder of the device is about 1.5" in diameter while the smaller top and bottom cylinders measure 1" in diameter. The device is capable of generating up to 4 Watts of power with a power output of 5.0V DC at 200 mAmps. The PEG gets all of its energy from human motion and never requires a charge from an electrical outlet.
Even though there's no release date for the nPower PEG yet, Tremont Electric – the developers of the device – continue to say that the product is coming soon. You can sign up at their web site if you want to be notified when the PEG is available for preorder. There's no official word on price yet, but Tremont Electric founder Aaron LeMieux estimated a price of $149 when showing off the device at the January 2009 Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
While the benefits of the nPower PEG are obvious for those who spend a lot of time outdoors, like hikers or geocachers, the technology that has led to the creation of the PEG is particularly interesting and should spark some real interest in the alternative energy community. According to Tremont Electric, the nPower technology is scalable, meaning that it could potentially lead to greater forms of power creation, all stemming from motion of the human body.
Another bonus for Tremont Electric – I love a company that can interject a little humor into their product information sheets. From their FAQ:
"The nPower PEG produces limited amounts of power if sitting stationary in a moving vehicle (unless your vehicle needs new shocks or if you're on a very rough road)."
In my neck of the woods, there are quite a few "very rough roads." I wonder if I can consider driving on them a form of exercise now.