Who needs a turbine when you can generate power from an elastic belt vibrating in the wind? This innovative design comes from Shawn Frayne, who was inspired to create the Windbelt design after watching video of the Tacoma Narrows bridge collapse. Thinking on a smaller scale, Frayne realized that as a belt bowed in the wind, it could generate electricity. The design is ideal for powering small appliances and devices like LED lamps and radios.
Frayne also likens his Windbelt design to that of a violin bow, which speaks to the design's simple yet deeply aesthetic appeal. Since it involves so few components that are also extremely cheap to assemble, it's ideal for small rural communities in developing countries.