GetndCarVC

Currently, the only available type of electricity generating backpacks is backpacks with solar panels attached. Though it does produce a constant flow of current with the help of the sun, nothing is produced in darkness. At the request of the Office of Naval Research, Lawrence C. Rome of the University of Pennsylvania has developed the "suspended load backpack" that produces power based on the up and down movement of the hip while walking. Connected to the frame of the shoulder straps are springs that cause the pack to bounce up and down. This up and down friction produces energy which can then be immediately used or stored for later usage. The heavier the pack, the more energy is produced with every step. Unfortunately, the current frame without the pack weighs in at around 10 pounds, but development is underway to reduce the weight to a target 2 pounds.

The pack was developed in response to the war in Afghanistan. The US Military is seeking ways for service members to carry fewer batteries for power thirsty electronics. Though the backpack does not generate a lot of energy, it does output 7 watts of energy. That is enough to power night vision goggles or a GPS system. For civilian use, 7 watts is enough to power a MP3 player, PDA, or even recharge of GSM cell phone. Since the development, Lightning Packs LLC has been formed to improve on not only the weight of the frame, but also an ergonomic pack. Both inventions are currently seeking patents.