Exploring the Feasibility of Human-Based Electrical Power Generation in Prisons
The idea of generating electricity using human prisoners in giant hamster wheels may sound like a dystopian dream or a critique of current prison conditions. While it is a provocative thought experiment, let us explore the feasibility of this concept and compare it with other renewable sources of energy.
Initial Analysis of Inmate Electricity Generation
According to a theoretical scenario, if 2.5 million inmates were to generate electricity in giant hamster wheels for 16 hours a day, at a theoretical rate of 100 watts each inmate, they could collectively produce 2.5 million * 100 watts 250 MegaWatts (MW). However, this is an idealized scenario with no consideration of safety measures, health impacts, or practical constraints.
Even if they were to generate at 100 watts for 16 hours a day, each inmate could produce 1.6 kilowatt-hours (kWh) daily, which is worth approximately 20 cents in the US. For the entire group, this amounts to a total of 4 Gigawatt-hours (GWh) annually, which is equivalent to only 1.4 terawatt-hours (TWh) per year. The Hoover Dam, for reference, produces 3.6 TWh annually. This shows that while the inmates could contribute to electricity generation, the output is minuscule compared to conventional sources.
Practical Limitations and Health Concerns
The practicality of this scenario is heavily dependent on the health and safety of the inmates. A human can only generate a maximum of 100-200 watts of power continuously, with 100 watts being more realistic. However, sustaining this level of power output for 16 hours per day is highly improbable. Studies indicate that a person can only perform vigorous exercise for no more than 60 minutes without encountering negative health effects. Even a 5-hour stint requires several days of recovery.
Therefore, a more realistic scenario would be dividing the inmates into shifts, with each shift working for a limited duration and taking breaks. According to Outside Magazine, a person in a large “hamster wheel” could generate 120 watts for 30 minutes, requiring a series of half-hour shifts. Even under this scenario, the total electricity generated would still be modest and could not significantly contribute to the overall energy demands of a country.
Comparative Analysis with Solar Panels
From a pragmatic standpoint, electricity generated by human power through hamster wheels is not an efficient use of resources. Solar panels, for instance, can produce approximately 400 watts of power for at least 5 hours a day, depending on sunlight availability. A human-sized solar panel would cost less than the cost of employing and maintaining prisoners, let alone the additional cost of providing extra food to sustain their work.
Moreover, using human power as a primary source of energy is not only inefficient but also inhumane. The energy return on investment (EROI) for human labor is significantly lower compared to renewable sources like solar, wind, or hydroelectric power. Solar panels, for example, have a higher EROI and can provide consistent and reliable power even in areas without direct sunlight.
Conclusion
While the concept of generating electricity through human power in prisons might be a thought-provoking discussion point, it is neither practical nor ethical. Renewable sources of energy, such as solar, offer a more sustainable and efficient solution to meet energy demands. Instead of exploring such impractical and inhumane methods, it is better to focus on advancements in clean and renewable energy technologies to power our communities.
Keywords: prison electricity, human power generation, renewable energy