Swedish company Home Energy has not forgotten about our energy independence even if our leaders of tomorrow have.  It’s made a wind turbine shaped as a sphere called the Energy Ball.  Home Energy claims that the shape allows for higher aerodynamic efficiency in comparison to traditional design as well as complete silence during operation.  The Energy Ball comes in two models: The 0.5 kW Energy Ball V100 has a price tag of $4,600 and the 2.5 kW Energy Ball V200 sells for $8,100. The prices might seem steep, but think of the energy you’ll be saving.

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Whether you’re trying to score green tax credits or just help the earth out a bit, the $5000 Windspire is definitely the way to go. Designed by Mariah Power, the Windspire comes with all the equipment you need to start generating power from the wind. Due to the vertical-axis the Windspire uses, people in tighter/urban areas will find it fits into tight space.

Though it seems like a great idea and a way to save the planet, it’s certainly not practical. The Windspire towers 30-foot high and has a 2-foot radius.

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Urwerk took their opportunity at SIHH 2008 to unveil their new 202 Hammerhead Automatic wrist watch which has a innovative new winding rate which is geared with fluid dynamics. For over a century, watch makers were playing around with watches powered with air friction, aided by a traditional rotating vane, much more reliable then the old sand-powered hour glass.

The 202 Hammerhead replaces the traditional vane with two mini-turbines which act as mini air compressors. These turbines give the sexy Hammerhead a dynamic flair, as you can watch them move on the rear of the watches face. And oh yeah, it looks really sexy.

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So, the HyMini might be much ado about nothing, but it’s still pretty impressive and potentially a great idea for green integration in the future. Dubbed as a “mini green hybrid power station”, you charge the HyMini up from a main. When you go out for a bike or car-ride, attach the little guy to your vehicle, and the wind turbines will trickle charge your device.

You can even add a solar panel on for more of a power managing effect. To move the turbines enough, you have to be traveling at least 9 mph, and 40 mph at the fastest, lest you break the chintzy gadget in half with pure velocity. Ports for most cameras, phones, and other mobile devices are available. Get yours for $49.99. (more…)

Green power generation isn’t easy for large buildings. Some high-powered businesses, such as casinos and office buildings, would need a solar power grid the size of Rhode Island (the smallest state, but come on).

The Revolution Door adds a turbine to the revolving door of power hungry businesses. As people come and go through the doors, power is generated. Might not be enough to power a whole building, but could contribute to a hybrid effort. — Andrew Dobrow

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