A human power conversion system based on children's play

A method is proposed for harnessing of human power based on children's play in playground and public places, on devices such as the seesaw, merry-go-round and swing. When large numbers of children play in a playground, part of the power of their play can be usefully harnessed resulting in significant energy storage. This stored energy can then be converted to electricity for powering basic, low-power appliances such as lights, fans, communications equipment, and so on. The method provides a low-cost, low-resource means of generation of electricity, especially for use in developing countries. The paper discusses the basic theory behind the method. Results of experiments on a laboratory prototype compressed air human power conversion system using a teeter-totter are presented to illustrate the practical effectiveness of the proposed method.