Wind turbine development for rural electrification in Nicaragua

This paper presents the development of a wind turbine designed for rural electrification efforts throughout Nicaragua. The turbine was designed to use locally available and recycled materials in order to reduce production costs and thus make them more feasible for developing countries. A vertical axis configuration was chosen in order to have minimal impact on local ecology and terrain aesthetics. The Bassett Sail-Blade rotor assembly is introduced. In addition, a dual rotor axial flux alternator was constructed with reclaimed automotive parts and imported neodymium magnets using simple hand tools. When integrated into a community battery charging station, the developed turbine can be used as a cost-effective solution to rural electrification and conservation efforts throughout the developing world. © 2012 Taylor and Francis Group, LLC.