Hi Ecoprincess,
I've always been interested in wind energy ( well for about 30 years anyway) and have built a number of small wind turbines over the past few years.
Your post about steam power got me thinking and doing a little searching and you'll never believe what the internet threw at me, ahhhhhh you've guessed it.
A simple steam engine powered by low pressure steam.....feast your eyes on this.
I think its exactly what you're looking for.
http://www.greensteamengine.com/
Regards,
Fries.