During my search for an even more ridiculous contraption then the pedal powered ride on lawn mower (), I came across mention of an invention from Shawn Fayne, the micro windbelt. I have to say this seems a very nifty idea for powering low power devices in remote locations.
Essentially it's based on scavenging power from a belt which vibrates in the wind liked a plucked string. Apparently it was inspired by Galloping Gurdy (the Tacoma Narrows bridge which suffered catastrophic failure in 1940).
If your curious there's more information at http://www.humdingerwind.com/
