Human-powered electricity generation: Current technologies, challenges, and potential application in sustainable society construction

IF 7.6 Q1 ENERGY & FUELS

Energy Conversion and Management-X Pub Date : 2025-09-03 DOI:10.1016/j.ecmx.2025.101239

Qirui Ding , Rong Li , Qi Liu , Weicheng Cui

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Abstract

Human-powered electricity generation (HPEG) presents a transformative strategy for sustainable, decentralized energy by converting biomechanical, thermoelectric, and bioenergy derived from human activities into electrical power. This approach addresses the global need for affordable and clean energy, particularly in underserved communities. However, current research on HPEG reveals challenges, including suboptimal energy conversion efficiency, limited device durability, and insufficient integration of socio-economic benefits—factors that impede adoption and scalability. To address these limitations, this review evaluates recent technical advancements and proposes a socio-technical framework designed to enhance energy production while fostering employment opportunities.

The study utilizes a systematic literature review to synthesize knowledge on piezoelectric, triboelectric, and thermoelectric technologies, with a focus on innovations in materials, hybrid architectures, and the integration of real-time, multidimensional data. It examines technical performance metrics and explores the incorporation of data-driven models of labor participation within HPEG systems. Insights are drawn from case studies such as the Harmonious Ecological Village concept. Key findings include increased power densities, the potential of AI-driven optimization to enhance energy management, and the emergence of employment opportunities linked to human energy harvesting. The proposed socio-technical framework positions HPEG as intelligent platforms capable of supporting health monitoring and enhancing social resilience.

These findings indicate that HPEG, when supported by multisource energy integration and AI analytics, can significantly contribute to global sustainability goals by delivering inclusive and renewable energy solutions. Future prospects include manufacturing processes and wireless integration, positioning HPEG as a foundational element of next-generation sustainable energy systems and socio-economic development.

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人力发电：当前技术、挑战及在可持续社会建设中的潜在应用

人力发电（HPEG）通过将人类活动产生的生物力学、热电和生物能源转化为电能，提出了一种可持续的、分散的能源变革战略。这种方法解决了全球对负担得起的清洁能源的需求，特别是在服务不足的社区。然而，目前对HPEG的研究显示出一些挑战，包括不理想的能量转换效率、有限的设备耐用性以及社会经济效益的整合不足，这些因素阻碍了HPEG的采用和可扩展性。为了解决这些限制，本综述评估了最近的技术进步，并提出了一个旨在提高能源生产同时促进就业机会的社会技术框架。该研究利用系统的文献综述来综合压电、摩擦电和热电技术方面的知识，重点关注材料、混合结构和实时、多维数据集成方面的创新。它检查了技术性能指标，并探讨了HPEG系统中劳动力参与的数据驱动模型的结合。从和谐生态村概念等案例研究中获得见解。主要发现包括功率密度的增加、人工智能驱动的能源管理优化的潜力，以及与人类能源收集相关的就业机会的出现。拟议的社会技术框架将HPEG定位为能够支持健康监测和增强社会复原力的智能平台。这些发现表明，在多源能源整合和人工智能分析的支持下，HPEG可以通过提供包容性和可再生能源解决方案，为全球可持续发展目标做出重大贡献。未来的前景包括制造工艺和无线集成，将HPEG定位为下一代可持续能源系统和社会经济发展的基础要素。

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来源期刊

Energy Conversion and Management-X Multiple-

CiteScore

8.80

自引率

3.20%

发文量

180

审稿时长

58 days

期刊介绍： Energy Conversion and Management: X is the open access extension of the reputable journal Energy Conversion and Management, serving as a platform for interdisciplinary research on a wide array of critical energy subjects. The journal is dedicated to publishing original contributions and in-depth technical review articles that present groundbreaking research on topics spanning energy generation, utilization, conversion, storage, transmission, conservation, management, and sustainability. The scope of Energy Conversion and Management: X encompasses various forms of energy, including mechanical, thermal, nuclear, chemical, electromagnetic, magnetic, and electric energy. It addresses all known energy resources, highlighting both conventional sources like fossil fuels and nuclear power, as well as renewable resources such as solar, biomass, hydro, wind, geothermal, and ocean energy.