Micro-Inverter Improvement For The Energy Harvesting From Exercise Machine Project

The Energy Harvesting from Exercise Machines (EHFEM) project at California Polytechnic State University consists of several different projects coming together to add human generated power to the grid. This project focuses on implementing a more efficient micro-inverter. The micro-inverter used to convert DC to AC voltage requires up to 5 minutes before the conversion process begins. This time lag significantly diminishes the power produced from an exercising individual. Research of micro-inverters approved by the CEC introduces desirable micro-inverters, available for use in California, to the EHFEM project. Testing the two most desirable micro-inverters found from research allows for quantifying of the most suitable micro-inverter. A new CEC improved micro-inverter aims to improve synchronization time as well as improved efficiency. This project finds improvement options in start up time and integrates the micro-inverter with the existing energy harvesting system to provide the grid with human generated energy

COMBINING EXERCISE PRESCRIPTION & A PEDOMETER-BASE PROGRAM TO REDUCE CVD RISK FACTORS IN MIDDLE-AGED ADULTS

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading causes of death in the United States. A majority of the risk factors for cardiovascular disease are modifiable through drug therapy, diet, and exercise. Purpose: To determine if the student-run stress testing and exercise prescription program 1) resulted in subsequent lifestyle changes and in reduced CVD risk, 2) if the addition of pedometer-base exercise prescription in conjunction with weekly phone calls added to the student prescription would differentially reduce CVD risk, and 3) to determine if either of these interventions in middle-aged adults improves quality of life (QOL). Methods: Forty-two participants (21 males, 21 females) were randomly assigned to one of two groups. Both groups received individualized exercise prescription interventions designed from a student-led 12-lead ECG exercise stress test, strength testing, body composition testing, and flexibility testing. One-half of the participants additionally received a pedometer-base program (PBP) that tracked daily step totals and included a weekly phone call. Results: In the 19 participants who completed the 6 month study, overall HDL cholesterol increased (54.6 to 62.8 mg/dL), LDL cholesterol decreased (121.5 to 104.2 mg/dL), and resting systolic blood pressure (SBP) decreased (126.7-120.2 mmHg) at an alpha level of \u3c 0.05. Heart rate, body mass index, fasted blood glucose, and rating of perceived exertion did not significantly change from baseline values (p \u3c 0.05). Subjects reported improvements in physical limitations, emotional well-being, and overall QOL was improved (p \u3c 0.05). There were some differences between the two exercise interventions, but the small sample size who completed the testing limited the power of the analysis. Conclusion: Blood lipids, resting SBP, and QOL were significantly improved. The improvements in cardiac risk profiles, QOL, and participant evaluation forms suggest that positive lifestyle changes were made as a result of the intervention