Product Inspiration

A big problem with conventional wind-based power generation is that it requires a relatively high average wind speed in a particular area. This unusual design boasts much better efficiency in low winds by exploiting wind’s ability to vibrate a ribbon (or bridge). The vibrating ribbon moves a small magnet rapidly back and forth between a set of electromagnetic coils, which comprise one of the simplest generator designs possible.

This appears to be a terrific design with lots of potential today for niche applications such as remote self-powered equipment. While it will probably not compete with full size wind turbines in the forseeable future, maybe a much larger version of this design (or an array of these modules) could provide useable power for some home applications.

http://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/industry/4224763.html?serie s=37 via ecogeek