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Design and Engineering of Wind-Powered Machinery for Developing Countries

Simon, Miriam R.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1312819145

Abstract Details

2011, Master of Fine Arts, Ohio State University, Industrial, Interior Visual Communication Design.
The purpose of this study was to inquire about the uses of wind-powered technology in developing countries. Throughout the introduction of technological models in developing countries, citizens are able to acquire knowledge about these and adapt them to their specific needs. A thorough preliminary investigation of various existing texts, as well as full-scale prototype developments and interviews to citizens of Honduras have led to valuable information about the way in which design and engineering can aid citizens of developing countries. By researching what the customer wants, the local environment, and local materials and needs of the people, one can design and build models of various technological advancements which are then adapted by the locals to suit their needs. Furthermore, locals use these models as opportunities to create small businesses used to stimulate their economic development, as well as invest in the community. In comparison to commercially available products which tend to be expensive for the end user, customers are able to build their own equipment using scrap and re-usable materials. The first step to truly understanding the technology behind small-scale wind generators was to build fully functional prototypes. This experience was extremely valuable as it provided not only ideas on how to assemble the entire system, but preliminary design flaws were fixed in updated iterations of the model. Along with the prototypes, a wind-speed sensor, or anemometer, was installed at the location of the generator. Wind data is one of the most important aspects of building a wind generator, as it is important to know at what speeds the blades can begin rotating. Wind data is also part of the general assessment that should be done prior to building a wind generator, as not all areas of the world will benefit from installing a wind generator if the wind is not constantly blowing. The construction and assembly of these preliminary prototypes was useful in getting ready for the next part of the research process which included interactions and feedback from future users. A trip taken to Choluteca, Honduras in March of 2011 along with a group from ECOS (Engineers for Community Service) provided valuable information in regards to field research and observation. This information has been thoroughly analyzed in order to create a guideline for a model wind-generator to be built in the city of Choluteca, at the vocational school 'Escuela Vocacional Estados Unidos de America'. This model will be used to lower electricity costs at the school as well as introduce a model of a generator that students can learn from. Trips and experiences such as this one provide extremely valuable information for those attempting to address design and engineering issues in developing countries. Only by immersion in a culture can one truly understand the way people live.
Seok Bo Shim (Advisor)
Nini Paul (Committee Member)
Lilly Blaine (Committee Member)
184 p.
Design; Engineering
wind-powered machinery; wind generators; user-centered design; humanitarian engineering

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Citations

  • Simon, M. R. (2011). Design and Engineering of Wind-Powered Machinery for Developing Countries [Master's thesis, Ohio State University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1312819145

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Simon, Miriam. Design and Engineering of Wind-Powered Machinery for Developing Countries. 2011. Ohio State University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1312819145.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Simon, Miriam. "Design and Engineering of Wind-Powered Machinery for Developing Countries." Master's thesis, Ohio State University, 2011. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=osu1312819145

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

osu1312819145
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This open access ETD is published by The Ohio State University and OhioLINK.