Inflatable wind turbine

Dean Kamen's Inflatable Wind Turbine, via the USPTO

There may be a new idea on the rise that is not full of hot air. Inventor Dean Kamen creator of the Segway is seeking a patent for an inflatable wind turbine. Kamen makes it clear he does not see this as a game-changing energy generator. Instead, he views it more as a neat way to create a little power and perhaps an outdoor messaging system.

The idea for inflatable wind turbines is not a new idea. The Company "Magenn" is currently working on a dirigible like "Air Rotor System." However Dean Kaman's invention does not have tethered like the Magenn system.

The Megenn turbine

Kamen explained, “The inflatable sail wind turbine may be installed in various locations that a heavier and/or larger conventional wind turbine may not (be), for example … on the roof of buildings.”

Kamen's patent application shows how the spinning turbine could be used as a persistence of vision (POV) LED system. From the patent : “light emitting diodes … powered by energy generated by the wind turbine, an image on the blades may include, but are not limited to, pictures, text, symbols, numbers, the date and time, weather forecasts, traffic information, and advertising.” It seems like highway billboards may have their days numbered.

Eavesdropper