高中英语时文阅读七

高中英语时文阅读七

Device gives new meaning to the idea of power walking Electrical devices could soon use power made by human energy. Scientists say they have developed an experimental device that produces electricity from the physical movement of a person walking. British scientist Max Donelan and other scientists in Canada and the United States developed the device.

The device connects to a person’s knee. As the person walks, the device captures energy each time the person slows down. To do this, the device assists with the slowing down movement of the leg. The movements of the walking person push parts of a small machine that produces electricity. Using the device, an adult walking quickly could produce thirteen watts of electricity in just a minute. Mr. Donelan says walking at that speed could produce enough power to operate a laptop computer for six minutes.

There are several possible uses for the device. Developers say it could help people who work in areas without electricity to operate small computers or wireless telephones. The device could also be used to operate life-saving health devices like heart pacemakers. It could even be used to assist in the movement of robotic arms and legs.

The experimental version of the device currently weighs about one and a half kilograms. It is too costly for most people to buy. But the researchers hope to make a lighter, less costly version. Mr. Donelan says an improved version should be ready in one year.

The researchers also hope that soldiers could use the device. The machine could supply power to electronic devices with a battery that would regain power as the soldier walked.

The developers hope the device will one day help developing countries. Nearly twenty-five percent of people around the world live without electric power.

A similar product was invented in 2005 by Larry Rome of the University of Pennsylvania. He created a bag carried on a person’s back that also produces

power from walking. The knee device does not produce as much electricity as the bag. But the bag requires the walker to carry a load of twenty to thirty kilograms.

Ⅰ.Key words and expressions:

1. capture vt.俘获, 捕获；占领, 夺得（锦标奖品等）；赢得, 引起（注意等）

2. pacemaker n.〈医〉心脏起搏器

3.version n.（一种）说法，看法；（书籍、乐谱等的）版本

e.g. I have heard two versions of the accident.

我已经听到关于这个事故的两种说法了。

4. costly adj.昂贵的；代价（价值）高的

Ⅱ.Questions and answers:

1. What does the second paragraph mainly talk about?

2. What is the disadvantage of the experimental version of the device?

3. Compared with the device designed by Larry Rome, what is the advantage of

this new device?

4. Translate the underlined part in the passage.

Keys:

1. The second paragraph mainly talks about how the device works.

2. The disadvantage is that it is too dear for most people to afford.

3. This new device produces power without adding more load to the walker.

4. 佩带在膝盖上的设备发电量没有这种包多，但是，这种包需要步行者背

重达20到30公斤的负荷。