Simplicity Rules

The problem: getting wind power to third world countries. Standard wind turbines are too expensive, especially since they need to be massive and near heavy winds to work efficiently.

“In a conventional wind generator, gears help transfer the motion of the spinning blades to a turbine where an electric current is induced. The Windbelt is simpler and more efficient in light breezes—a magnet mounted on a vibrating membrane simply oscillates between wire coils.” — Popular Mechanics

In the video below, see 28 year-old inventor of the Windbelt talk about his cheap, simple, and innovative device.

via Josh