Human Energy- a Water Experience
Wednesday, October 21, 2009 at 3:03PM 
If we could use the kinetic energy of people within the building to power the movement of water we would not only save energy that could be going to other systems, but create an awareness of how much water we are using. Using the shock energy from a stepping motion, this idea is that people would essentially pump the water that they need to the outlet required. Rainwater from the roof, as well as that needed from the aquifer would be held in a central tank, which would then filter and pump the water out to the other small water tanks located by the water-facilities in the building. Similar to how you would squirt a water gun, or push down on a thermos-dispenser to get drip coffee, the entire system would work on a system of volumes and pressures within the set spaces. One-way valves would help keep the pressure in the individual holders while energy was being exerted (to keep the water from “backing up” towards the pump), leaving the water only one exit- up through the small water tubes running on the interior of the walls. By exposing the water tubes to the user, inhabitants are not only physically seeing the results of their efforts, but are cognitive of how much water they are using. It is easy to just have the sink running while you are brushing your teeth- but I am sure we would all conserve much more if we saw the water moving towards us while we were pushing down with our foot.
Most of the research for this is still in the conceptual phase, but Gunwook Nam’s “Human Pump” is a cool project to check out. Similarly, it explores the idea of human energy through stepping to bring drinking water up to the inhabitants.
Mackenzie King
Reader Comments (5)
Hey, I really like your idea. I was talking with Shona last week and she had this idea that at least the title of this article reminded me of. She had a shower and the shower wall was the water tank that stored the water for the shower use. As you are showering, the water levels lower and you are able to see how much water you are using. Similarly, she included the concept that the water is what is hiding you from the public, encouraging you to take quicker showers before the water level "reveals" you.
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