Is there a device that combines wind and solar power?

Question

Is there a device that combines wind and solar power?

Answer 1

In a sense, any device, such as a windmill, that uses power from the wind combines the two. It is differential heating of the earth (by the sun) that causes warm air to rise. This creates a partial vacuum, filled in by surface air. This is the wind.

I suppose that you could consider a house that gets its heat from a trombe wall and its electricity from a windmill to be such a device, although that might be stretching your question to fit the answer.

Answer 2

a battery or energy grid.

Answer 3

you mean a wind turbine with solar panel blades?

Answer 4

Yes, it is called a solar updraft tower.   Although I've never seen one in operation, it looks like it could work.  This is the first time I've tried to post a link.  Hope it works.  Mike

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_updra...