Experimental Measurement of Potential Energy in Stairways with Hydraulic Damping Systems

This article outlines the creation of a model designed to capture energy from staircases. The setup revolves around a hydraulic mechanism meant to retain the energy produced by individuals of varying weights (ranging from 72 to 85 kg) as they step on an tilting step. The design process considered the system's operational modes, followed by experimental assessments aiming to measure the potential energy by vertically moving a 12 kg load. Findings indicate variations in the device's performance concerning alterations in the angles of hydraulic actuators and shifts in the contact point with the stairs, thereby emphasizing the dependence on the contact area. The average values for inclination angles and contact area approximately yield 0.082 J per step. Challenges in subsequent phases include adjusting the angle across more than three positions and accurately quantifying pressure and volumetric flow within the circuit.