Be Calm

I'm looking for the origins of Ayn Rand's idea about a free energy motor. Was she involved with the alternative technology crowd in California? Did she have science fiction writer pals that may have inspired this idea? And, is there any reason to select Wisconsin as the location for the 20th Century Motor Company? Did Frank Lloyd Wright have something to do with this location? I find this a question worth answering because there is NO other device/creative artifact that would have given John Galt the power to convince others to join him. This motor is proof that hope is rational. Any suggestions for further reading would be appreciated.