Windbelt, Cheap Generator Alternative, Set to Power Third World
Came across an amazing video this week, Shawn Frayne talking about his invention the windbelt. Based on the same principle that caused the Tacoma Narrows Bridge to collapse in 1940, the windbelt uses air current to cause vibrations in a tight band to that is used to generate power. This simple idea is revolutionary in wind power, which is typically expensive due to high cost of turbine generators. The windbelt on the other hand, is incredibly cheap and truly a feasible energy solution for developing countries.
And here is another video of Shawn talking about additional uses of windbelts used to power tiny sensors in build ventilation systems.
Checkout the full story on Popular Mechanics or Shawn’s homepage on windbelts.