Windbelt
Encyclopedia
The Windbelt is a device for converting wind power
to electricity. A windbelt is essentially an aeolian harp
except that it exploits the motion of the string produced by the aeroelastic flutter effect to move a magnet
closer and farther from one or more electromagnetic coil and thus induce current in the wires that make up the coil.
Prototypes of the device are claimed to be 10 - 30 times more efficient than wind microturbines. One prototype has powered two LEDs, a radio, and a clock (separately) using wind generated from a household fan. The cost of the materials was well under US$10.
An improvement on the prototype increased efficiency hundredfold bringing the cost down to around $2 a watt. There are three sizes in development -
The Windbelt's inventor, Shawn Frayne, was a winner of the 2007 Breakthrough Award from the publishers of the magazine, Popular Mechanics
. He is improving the Windbelt's design to make it more affordable.
Wind power
Wind power is the conversion of wind energy into a useful form of energy, such as using wind turbines to make electricity, windmills for mechanical power, windpumps for water pumping or drainage, or sails to propel ships....
to electricity. A windbelt is essentially an aeolian harp
Aeolian harp
An aeolian harp is a musical instrument that is "played" by the wind. It is named for Aeolus, the ancient Greek god of the wind. The traditional aeolian harp is essentially a wooden box including a sounding board, with strings stretched lengthwise across two bridges...
except that it exploits the motion of the string produced by the aeroelastic flutter effect to move a magnet
Magnet
A magnet is a material or object that produces a magnetic field. This magnetic field is invisible but is responsible for the most notable property of a magnet: a force that pulls on other ferromagnetic materials, such as iron, and attracts or repels other magnets.A permanent magnet is an object...
closer and farther from one or more electromagnetic coil and thus induce current in the wires that make up the coil.
Prototypes of the device are claimed to be 10 - 30 times more efficient than wind microturbines. One prototype has powered two LEDs, a radio, and a clock (separately) using wind generated from a household fan. The cost of the materials was well under US$10.
An improvement on the prototype increased efficiency hundredfold bringing the cost down to around $2 a watt. There are three sizes in development -
- a 'micro' version that could be used to charge small gadgets. This could be put into production in around six months.
- a 1 meter version that could be used to charge cellphones or run LED lights This could go into production within 18 to 24 months.
- an experimental 10-meter model that has an unknown production date.
The Windbelt's inventor, Shawn Frayne, was a winner of the 2007 Breakthrough Award from the publishers of the magazine, Popular Mechanics
Popular Mechanics
Popular Mechanics is an American magazine first published January 11, 1902 by H. H. Windsor, and has been owned since 1958 by the Hearst Corporation...
. He is improving the Windbelt's design to make it more affordable.
External links
- Humdinger Wind, company founded by the inventor, and holder of the patents.
- Energy Harvesting Journal, 30 Mar 2010 Wind energy harvester from Humdinger