Madison Wind Solutions was formed by the James Madison University team competing in the inaugural National Collegiate Wind Competition. This competition - hosted by the Department of Energy and National Renewable Energy Laboratory - challenged teams from 10 different colleges and universities with three tasks: to design and build a small, portable wind turbine capable of charging small electronics; to develop a business plan for the product; and to deliver a presentation on market issues relating to wind energy.
Even a small source of electricity can be revolutionary to a community without a reliable resource for electricity. Working as a non-profit organization, Madison Wind Solutions would help bring electricity to energy-impoverished communities aroung the world. Access to grants through the non-profit business model would allow the company to make products significantly more affordable. Microfinancing options would also be available to customers purchasing products, making products available to those unable to pay costs upfront. The company would engage in social marketing, educating communities on the benefits of wind energy and the products available.
Madison Wind Solutions would start by selling its first product, the Stimangu, in rural Kenya. A micro-wind turbine could provide many benefits to communities without reliable access to electricity. A single light bulb in a public space can provide lighting at night for an entire community. Business owners may also use lighting to operate at night. Cell phones are a primary means of communication and banking transactions in Kenya, but many individuals must travel miles and/or pay a fee to charge phones. Whether purchased collaboratively by communities, by business owners, or by entrepreneurs intending to charge cell phones for a price, the Stimangu can make a significant impact for energy-impoverished communities.
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The first product developed by Madison Wind Solutions is the Stimangu (Swahili for "My Power"). The product features a 5-bladed, upwind turbine design with easily replaceable parts and an external box to provide electronics housing and a user interface. The Stimangu was also designed to be very robust, making it suitable for extreme environments.
Early development of blades. The airfoil above is a 4 Series selected from the NAPA database. It was one of three airfoils used to design and test blades.
Early rotor iteration using the 6 series airfoil from the NAPA database. After generator characterization, a five-bladed design was chosen to meet torque requirements for driving a high-ratio gearbox.
Perspective view of front of final rotor for Stimangu prototype. After preliminary testing, a more drag-heavy design was deemed necessary to meet torque requirements for start-up.
Perspective view of back of final rotor for Stimangu prototype.
External box used to provide electronics housing and a user interface. The box has a removeable top, a port for the input plug, a hole for the emergency stop switch, two USB ports, angled cut-outs for heat ventilation, and open space for electronic components to be mounted.
Stimangu prototype undergoing preliminary testing at the Collegiate Wind Competition.
Stimangu prototype at Collegiate Wind Competition.
