SC students’ exercise converts to electricity

GREENVILLE, S.C. (AP) — Students at two South Carolina colleges can reduce their campus’ carbon footprints as they sweat off those extra holiday calories.

Elliptical machines in fitness centers at Furman and the University of South Carolina’s are connected to the power grid through a system that converts human energy into carbon-free electricity. Granted, the wattage is low. But self-powered gyms weren’t the point.

Furman fitness director Scott Murr says the system is an ideal education tool at a school that requires all students to pass a “mind and body” health course. Furman’s Class of 2010 paid for a 15-machine installation in June 2010. A flat-screen TV that displays the power output was installed this past summer.

The University of South Carolina also installed its system in summer 2010 with 10 ellipticals.