Geez, I started watching this and became fascinated! Very interesting video even though I doubt it could generate enough power to useful and cost effective but still very interesting!
It may not generate enough electricity to power a domestic dwelling...but it would probably be enough to charge a 'phone, or exterior lighting...the nice thing is it doesn't rely on sunlight...so it could potentially run day and night for as long as there is enough wind to move tree branches.
True and I suppose there would be some value to having say a dozen of these instead of one wind turbine, redundancy comes first to mind. However, I think a wind turbine would be more practical, generate more power, and be more cost effective. Nevertheless, I like how he approached the problem and researched and implemented different solutions - the process of discovery. Mankind is very inventive. This is the type of course that teach children to solve problems, think outside the box, even critical thinking. So, while I wasn't crazy about the product, I found the development process extremely interesting.
Don't know about tree limbs, first thing that came to mind was water waves at ocean. Haven't looked at data, but watched the waves come ashore on the beach. Still think tides would be better source of small amounts of power. Use the same type of gearing etc as tree power. Here is a large scale design for wave power. CorPower Ocean - Wave Power. To Power the Planet. Was up in Maine one summer and there was a bridge over a narrow inlet that opened into a small bay. Watching the water run thru and it was really moving. I know a simple propeller would have given much more power than solar. Tides are in feet in that area and run no matter rain or shine. Know they used the tides to fill salt ponds to make salt in old days. Here is an interesting clip on using tides in a story. It neatly describes some of the elements in play and a hint at what forces are in play. Tidal Marsh A small study project was set up for a good site in Maine. The results are unknown to me but the possible ecological effect are well defined. Most likely found some sea worm would be damaged and the multi million dollar project scrapped. Sarcasm off. Western Passage Tidal Energy Project | Tethys My thoughts were using the power of the water flowing in and out of a tidal creek. Under the radar sort of thing. All projects now are big bucks, with most spent for permits and site studies on effects on fish etc. Waterwheel Design and the Different Types of Waterwheel
