Experimental Study on Human Kinetic Energy Harvesting with Wearable Lifejackets to Assist Search and Rescue

Abstract

This study explores the integration of a human kinetic energy-harvesting mechanism into lifejackets to address the energy needs of aid search and rescue operations in aquatic environments. Due to the limited data on the movement patterns of drowning individuals, a human motion model has been developed to identify optimal design parameters for energy harvesting. This model is developed from computer vision analysis of underwater footage and motion capture laboratory experiments and is used to quantify the potential for power generation. The field testing experiment is conducted underwater, replicating the environment used for footage collection and analysis for the modelling. During the field testing, the participant wears a lifejacket integrated with the energy-harvesting device. Field testing data are then collected to verify the model. The efficacy of this approach is demonstrated with observed power outputs ranging from 0 mW to 754 mW in simulations and experiments. Despite challenges such as the “dead zone” in a drowning person’s motion, the success of the experiments underscores the potential of the proposed energy-harvesting mechanism to efficiently harness the kinetic energy generated by a drowning person’s movements. This study contributes to the development of sustainable, energy-efficient solutions for search and rescue operations, particularly in remote and challenging aquatic environments.