usyd gonewiththewindfinalreport (top 20)(2)

7/31/2019 USYD GoneWithTheWindFinalReport (Top 20)(2)

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Harnessing Wind Energy to Power

Homes in Tonle Sap

A response to the Engineers Without Borders Challenge, 2009

Gone With The WindCameron Batten

Eleanor OHagan

Jason Pickup

Brendan Sedgers

Joshua Stainlay

Sophie Thompson


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St Johns CollegeWithin the University of Sydney

8a Missenden RoadCamperdown

NSW 2050

22 September 2009

Mr. Daniel AlmagorChief Executive OfficerEngineers Without Borders AustraliaPO Box 79ElsternwickVIC 3185

Dear Mr Almagor,

Please find enclosed our report: Harnessing Wind Energy to Power Homes in TonleSap, the submission from Gone With The Wind, The University of Sydney, for the2009 Engineers Without Borders Challenge. This report outlines our solution to theissue of energy in Tonle Sap, Cambodia, in an attempt to assist the development ofthis community.

This report was researched, written and compiled by the group members of GoneWith The Wind Cam Batten, Eleanor OHagan, Jason Pickup, Brendan Sedgers,Joshua Stainlay and Sophie Thompson. We expect that you will appreciate the hopethat we believe our concept has the ability to bring to the community of Tonle Sap.

Sincerely,

Sophie ThompsonOn behalf of Gone With The Wind


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Executive SummaryThe Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia, is the largest lake in South East Asia, home to 32%

of the Cambodian population. The Tonle Sap Lake and surrounding communities are

faced with many problems including pollution, a lack of clean water, transport

limitations and an energy crisis. According to the World Bank the power grid inCambodia only reaches 12% of households, at an extremely expensive rate. A

significant proportion of power in the Tonle Sap region is obtained from diesel

generator stations which charge 12V car batteries that cause pollution when disposed

of. The rest is generated from non-renewable, dirty means. Cheap, easy to maintain,

clean and renewable energy must be researched to fix these problems as power is also

important for the Cambodian people to progress and increase their living standards.

We have chosen to address the energy crisis with windpower - according to the World

Bank, the Tonle Sap area is home to good wind speeds and has the potential to make

use of renewable wind energy. Our plan is to use a device called a Windbelt to

produce electricity for a single home which will allow for an enhanced standard of

living and decreased dependency on diesel generators and other less sustainable

methods of energy production.

The Windbelt was designed by Shawn Frayne and patented by the Humdinger Wind

Energy Company in 2007, and uses the principle of aeroelastic flutter in a taut

membrane to oscillate a pair of magnets between copper coils, generating AC

electricity. Our adaptation of the Windbelt is 1 metre in length, rated to produce 3 5

W in 6km/h winds. This AC current can then be harnessed and converted to DC at 3

12 Volts for use in simple appliances such as lighting, radios and clocks. The Energy

created from the system can be directed straight into these applications or used to

recharge the batteries that the people of Tonle Sap rely on for power.


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By introducing the Windbelt, the currently devastated environment of the Tonle Sap

Lake will be positively influenced as the popularity of diesel generators should

decline. Diesel generators, as well as the practice of deep charging car batteries,

common in developing and poverty-stricken communities including Tonle Sap, have

disastrous environmental consequences, resulting in the pollution of both the water of

the lake, and the air.

The social impacts of the introduction of the Windbelt are nearly entirely positive.

Most importantly, the low cost of the Windbelt both initially and in maintenance,

combined with the subsidisation available, should enable electricity in the home to be

accessible to a much larger volume of the population than there currently is. From this

access to electricity, an improved standard of living in the Tonle Sap community will

arise.

As professional engineers, the proposed idea reflects a series of conscious ethical

decisions that reflect both the professional expectations for ethical behaviour as

engineers, and as those providing aid. Sustainability is applied in our design, with one

of our main motivations being the need to improve environmental conditions in the

Tonle Sap Lake in order for it to be a safe and desirable home for future generations.

This is not only reflected in the attempt to alleviate the use of non-renewable and

environmentally harmful energy generation methods, but also the utilisation of

recycled materials in the construction of the Windbelt which not only reduces the

price of the Windbelt to the household, but also reduces the amount of waste of the

community.

In the implementation stage of our project, Non-Government Organisations would be

able to assist not only with the financial costs of introducing the Windbelt to the

Tonle Sap, but also the training of the local Cambodians in construction, fitting and

repair of the Windbelt devices. The involvement of the local community would create

a greater desire for these devices, a result of community ownership, as well as

supporting the local economy by supplying jobs and income for those families.


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Team ReflectionAs a part of a subject titled ENGG1803 Professional Engineering 1, the Engineers

Without Borders Challenge has taught us more than any textbook, lecture, question

set or moderately inspired class discussion could on the skills required to live the day-

to-day life of a professional engineer. Whilst the sniggers from peers who elected themuch easier and equally pointless other project, looks of dismay from tutors who

inevitably expect better, and hours sitting at a computer, anxiously anticipating a reply

in an ever-running volley of email-banter amongst the group, have at some stage

challenged each of us, dare we say it, EWB has actually been rewarding?

Whilst clich, our group started as six relative strangers, with no sense of cohesion

and an obtuse presence of wariness about what we had gotten ourselves into.Awkwardly at first, ideas for solutions were nervously thrown into the forum,

contemplated, then shelved as another idea was proposed and pursued, with last-

minute mayhem featuring heavily for the first assessments. Despite this beginning, a

team a cohesive unit capable of any challenge, was born, and with it rhythms,

strengths and weaknesses. This teamwork was possibly the most important gain from

completing the challenge, instilling each member with various lessons such as respect,

sacrifice, initiative, communication, punctuality, leadership and responsibility.

Yet, as teamwork is thrust upon most from as young an age as pre-school in the

classroom, as well as in many life-experiences common to young people throughout

Australia, the role of the actual task completed in the Engineers Without Borders

Challenge making a difference in Tonle Sap, cannot be ignored. The common

motivation of our group, to do work that was more than just an assignment, but taking

responsibility for the reality of the lives of others, has been essential in shaping our

perceptions of the professional engineer. Whilst it is easy to lose sight when an


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average day at university might involve 2 hours of Integral Calculus, the Engineers

Without Borders Challenge has highlighted something especially important to us all:

Engineers change peoples lives.


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Table of ContentsLetter of Transmittal ii

Executive Summary iii

Team Reflection v

Table of Contents vii

Table of Figures x1. Introduction 1

1.1 Objectives 21.1.1 Reduce Reliance on Diesel 21.1.2 Cheaper Power 31.1.3 More Efficient Batteries 31.1.4 Reduce Pollution in Lake 31.1.5 Renewable Power 31.1.6 Greater Access to Power 41.1.7 Wind Power 4

1.2 Background Research 5

1.2.1 Renewable Energy 51.2.2 Batteries 61.2.3 Climate Change 71.2.4 Wind Power and Wind Speed in Tonle Sap 71.2.5 Lifestyle in Tonle Sap 101.2.6 Culture in Tonle Sap 101.2.7 Millenium Development Goals 11

1.3 Literature Review 131.3.1 Definitions 131.3.2 Research and Findings 14

2. Design Options and Considerations 15

2.1 Wind Turbines 152.2 Solar Water Disinfection 172.3 Solar Panels 18

3. Design Details 19

3.1 Principles of Design 193.1.1 Principle 1: Aeroelastic Flutter 193.1.2 Principle 2: Electromagnetic Induction 20

3.2 Concept 22

3.2.1 Components 223.2.1.1 Bracket 22


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3.2.1.2 Copper Coils 223.2.1.3 The Ribbon 233.2.1.4 Magnets 23

3.3 Design Evolution 253.3.1 Design Considerations and Influences 25

3.3.2 Prototype Testing and Performance 263.3.3 Review of Prototype 27

3.4 Analysis 283.5 Final Design 29

4. Construction 33

4.1 Schedule 334.2 Costing 354.3 Maintenance 374.4 Construction Method 38

4.4.1 Prototype Construction Method 38

4.4.2 Construction of the Actual Windbelt to be Implemented 41

5. Design Appropriateness 43

5.1 Environmental Impact 435.2 Economic Impact 455.3 Social and Cultural Impact 46

6. Professional Considerations 48

6.1 Ethics 486.1.1 Engineering Ethics 486.1.2 Development Aid Ethics 50

6.1.2.1 Methods of Funding Aid 516.1.2.2 Power Plays in the Funding of Aid 516.1.2.3 Interactions Between Developers and the DevelopingCommunity 52

6.2 Environmental Sustainability 536.2.1 Sustainability of Materials 53

6.2.1.1 Bamboo Frame 536.2.1.2 E-Waste, Magnets and Coils 54

6.2.2 Reducing Pollution Within the Lake and Surrounding Region 546.2.2.1 Burning of Fossil Fuels 55

6.2.2.2 Diesel Spills 556.2.2.3 Storage of Power in Batteries and Disposal ofBatteries 56

6.3 Maintenance 576.3.1 Live and Lear Environmental Education 576.3.2 Social-Environmental Education 576.3.3 Keeping Costs to a Minimum 57

7. Statement of External Support 59

7.1 Idea Development Stage 597.2 Funding for the Support for the Project 60

7.2.1 An Overview of International Aid 60


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7.2.2 The Role of International Aid in the Implementation of theWindbelt 607.2.2 The Role of the Millenium Development Goals in Funding theProject 61

7.3 Education of the Local Cambodians 62

8. Conclusion 63

9. Bibliography 65


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Table of FiguresFigure

No.

Title Page

No.

Reference

No.

1 Map of Tonle Sap and Surrounding Areas 1 72 Use of renewable energy versus non-renewable energy

globally.5 25

3 Growth rates of renewable energy methods. 6 254 Wind Resource Classifications 8 305 Wind speed adjustment factors. 8 306 Wind speeds at 30m in Cambodia. 9 307 The Tacoma Narrows Bridge 20 268 The input and output of a Rectifier. 21 N/A9 Wind Speed Vs Output Voltage 26 N/A10 Timeline for the implementation of the Windbelt to

Tonle Sap33 N/A

11 Cost Breakdown for the Windbelt Prototype 35 N/A12 Project Budget 36 N/A13 Cutting Timber pieces using the circular saw 39 N/A14 Drilling Timber screws for frame assembly 39 N/A15 Hand wiring a copper coil 40 N/A16 Optimizing the output of the Windbelt using a

multimeter40 N/A

17 The Tenets of the IEA Code of Ethics 48 118 The regions throughout the world where Bamboo

grows53 7

19 A diesel spill. 55 12

20 Environmental Aid as a Percentage of Total BilateralAid

61 36


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1. IntroductionThe Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia, is the largest lake in South East Asia. It is unique in

the way that its volume expands incredibly in monsoon season when the flow of the

Tonle Sap River, connecting the lake to the Mekong River, is reversed. The lake basin

is home to a 32% of the Cambodian population and over 340,000 live in on, or close

to the lake itself. The lake provides the surrounding communities with jobs, food, and

a place to live. It is an extremely diverse environment with many different species of

fish, mammal and reptile, as well as the largest colonies of water birds in Indochina[3].

Figure 1. Map of Tonle Sap and Surrounding Areas [7]


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The Tonle Sap lake and surrounding communities are faced with many problems. The

lake continues to be polluted; inhabitants struggle to find clean water; transport in and

around the lake is limited and there is an energy crisis. According to the World Bank,

2007, the power grid in Cambodia only reaches 12% of the households, and to those

that it does reach it is extremely expensive, and as most people living on the Tonle

Sap live below the poverty line, it is unaffordable to them. A significant proportion of

power in the Tonle Sap region is obtained from diesel generator stations which charge

portable 12V car batteries, that cause pollution when disposed of[42]. The rest is

generated from wood, coal and petrols, all of which contribute a large carbon

footprint when burnt and are not sustainable for people to use (United Nations

Development Program 2008). Cheap, easy to maintain, clean and renewable energy

must be researched to fix these problems as power is also important for the

Cambodian people to progress and increase their living standards.

1.1 OBJ ECTIVES

Throughout the world today there is a huge amount of pressure on countries to reduce

carbon emissions and use renewable energy instead of energy attained through fossil

fuels. Alternative, renewable, ways of producing electricity are consequently being

researched now more than ever. In considering the Tonle Sap energy problems we

decided that we should attempt to find a way to reduce the reliance on diesel, give the

communities greater access to cheaper, renewable power.

1.1.1 Reduce reliance on dieselThe inhabitants of the Tonle Sap region rely heavily on the use of diesel powered

generators to charge their car batteries (United Nations Development Program 2008).This requires the owner of the battery to travel to the generator, which may be many

kilometers away, and charge their battery, which may take several hours. This we aim

to reduce, or completely eliminate this trip.

Also, as we aim to move into a renewable-energy based future, any reliance on diesel

must be minimised in order to keep with this progression. This in turn will reduce the

greenhouse gas emissions significantly in and around the Tonle Sap.


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1.1.2 Cheaper powerKhennas et al (2003) estimate that each recharge at a diesel generator station costs

US$0.50. This is a significant amount of money for someone who lives below the

poverty line. As well as this the purchase of a battery is expensive. We aim to provide

the community with a way to harness energy for a much smaller amount of money. As

well as this, since we aim to use renewable energy, there will not be continuous

payments that have to be made.

1.1.3 More efficient batteriesKhennas et al (2003) also states that charged car batteries were used to their maximum

depth of discharge before their next charge, a practice detrimental to the batteries

lifespan. If the battery were able to be charged more frequently, or continuously even,

then it would last longer and further reduce costs for the Cambodians.

1.1.4 Reduce pollution in lakeThe lake is relied on by all the Cambodians in the region for bathing, drinking and use

on crops. Pollution is therefore a serious concern. However, the Live and Learn

Environmental Education Booklet[28] states that all liquid and solid waste is also

discharged into the lake, including open sewage, solid waste, toxic pesticides and

chemicals. This has led to bacterial levels around floating houses being up to ten

times higher than in surrounding lake areas[17].

By reducing the use of diesel and extending the life of batteries we hope to help

reduce the levels of pollution in the lake. Batteries will not need to be disposed of as

regularly, and educating the communities about proper battery disposal is a goal that

we have discussed. Also, leakage of diesel into the lake is less likely if there were less

reliance on it.

1.1.5 Renewable powerRenewable energy is increasingly being utilised in place of non-renewable energy,

such as that attained from fossil fuels. We aim to use renewable energy to provide thiscommunity with electricity that they can use for small appliances and basic


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necessities. The use of renewable energy is also much cleaner, often cheaper, and

much better for the environment.

1.1.6 Greater access to powerThe access to electricity is limited in Cambodia, and to those that do have it, it is often

expensive[42]. What we would like to achieve is greater access to electricity by

providing families with their own ways of getting power without the reliance on any

other clients or middle-men. This will make it cheaper, more readily available and

less precious for the families within the Tonle Sap Region.

1.1.7 Wind PowerWe aim to utilise wind power to create energy. There is enough wind in the region to

successfully produce electricity, and we aspire to take advantage of this, instead of

other renewable sources, as the primary source for energy in the region.


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1.2 BACKGROUND RESEARCH

We conducted significant amounts of research in finding a way to meet each of our

objectives. There is great interest in renewable energy and reduction of pollution

throughout the world at the moment due to climate change and predictions of disasters

and large temperature fluctuations. This made it easy to find information and similar

projects which we could use to our advantage in designing a possible solution. We

broke up our research into things we would need to consider if we were to harness

wind energy successfully, and use it to charge batteries.

1.2.1 Renewable energy

According to Mohammed El-Ashry (2007), the Chairman of REN21 (a renewable

energy network), Renewable energy offers our planet a chance to reduce carbon

emissions, clean the air, and put our civilization on a more sustainable footing. This

is very good motivation for the use of renewable energy. El-Ashry also states that,

more than 65 countries now have goals for their own renewable energy futures, and

are enacting a far-reaching array of policies to meet those goals. Renewable energy

is a required step for every country, as the reliance on fossil fuels must be reduced[31].

Figure 2. Use of renewable energy versus non-renewable energy globally. [25]


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As the above graph shows, renewable energy made up 18% of the worlds energy

usage in 2006. This is increasing.

1.2.2 BatteriesCar batteries are lead acid batteries that supply approximately 30-40 watt-hours per

kilogram[21]. Car batteries, as the name suggests, are primarily used in cars for starter

motors, lights and ignition of a car. There are two different ways in which this type of

battery can be used, in a shallow cycle or a deep cycle. The deep cycle usage is

our groups primary concern as this is the use to which the battery is put in many

Cambodian households.

Linden and Reddy (2002) explain that the deep cycle is for use over extended periods

of time, and can be used as storage for energy from small wind turbines. These

batteries require a direct current to be charged, and also send a direct current.

Figure 3. Growth rates of renewable energy methods. [25]


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1.2.3 Climate ChangeThe Australian Government released an information booklet on climate change in

2008 entitled Climate Change What Does It Mean. The booklet reports that

burning fossil fuels, such as coal, oil or gasusing energy generated by burning

fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas) [and] clearing land produce greenhouse gases. The high

levels of greenhouse gases produced since the industrial revolution has led to a rise in

temperature inside the earths atmosphere.

Change is a problem that we must directly address in determining a solution to the

energy problem in Tonle Sap. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change states

that, Warming of the climate system is unequivocal, as is now evident from

observations of increases in global average air and ocean temperatures, widespread

melting of snow and ice and rising global average sea level (IPCC 2007). As well as

this the Stern Review, which reported the economic and financial effects of climate

change suggested that, the impacts of climate change are not evenly distributed - the

poorest countries and people will suffer earliest and most (Treasury 2006).

1.2.4 Wind power and Wind Speed in Tonle Sap

When considering different types of renewable energy with cost restraints in mind, we

decided that solar energy and hydro energy would be too expensive. Wind power can

be relatively cheap however. It is also starting to be considered more as a potential

source of electricity for a lot of Asia as wind speeds are often good.

Wind energy made up 121 gigawatts of the worlds electricity usage in 2008 [44]. This is

equivalent to 1.5% of the electricity used in 2008. Asia is home to two of the worlds

largest wind energy users, China and India. Large-scale wind energy, which usedturbines and wind farms, has become significantly cheaper in the past 20 years.

The following tables, from the Wind Energy Resource Atlas of South East Asia

show the way in which TrueWind Solutions have been researching and mapping out

potential for wind power in this region.


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After reading the tables above, we consulted the wind map below, and discovered that

in the Tonle Sap region wind speeds were Fair Good for small wind turbines.

However, as turbines would take up space, and even perhaps contribute to floods and

global warming through forest clearing, we decided that a smaller, less

environmentally impacting device was needed. The wind speeds around Tonle Sap at

30m above land range from 4.5-6.5 m/s on average (see Figure 6). This is sufficient

for the device we wish to use.

Figure 4. Wind Resource Classifications [30]

Figure 5. Wind speed adjustment factors. [30]


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Figure 6. Wind speeds at 30m in Cambodia. [30]


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1.2.5 Lifestyle in Tonle SapLife in the Tonle Sap revolves around the use of the river. In a report prepared for the

Asia Development bank by Live and Learn Education (2004) which collected

information from groups of people on the Tonle Sap it states that Nearly all focus

groups responded that they use water for washing clothes (95% of focus groups),

bathing (90%), drinking (90%) and cooking (85%). In communities where many of

the participants were farmers they also added that water was used for watering crops

(20% of focus groups) and for pumping to flood rice fields (20%). Due to this

excessive usage of the water, it is not very safe water to drink, which can very easily

lead to illnesses and death.

The reliance on electricity in the Tonle Sap is mainly for home appliances such as

ovens, televisions and similar common household devices. At present the majority of

power is generated by batteries and wood fires, however neither of these sources is

very clean, and batteries can be expensive to recharge.

1.2.6 Culture in Tonle SapThe Cambodian people have suffered through many harsh times, French control, the

Pol Pot regime and the Khmer Rouge, has left the country with a focus on the present

rather than the future, because before now the future has never been stable enough to

think about.[1] At the same time Cambodians feel that they are resilient and can

achieve great feats, which is symbolised through their national pride of Angkor Wat.

As a result of the harsh times that Cambodia has been through many Cambodians are

very religious, in particular Buddhism, as faith helped to rebuild their lives after the

Khmer Rouge.[1] However the younger generation is drifting away from the more

traditional lifestyle of their parents and grandparents. With increased television they

have adopted a more western lifestyle of partying, dressing in western cloths and not

marrying and settling down as their parents did. [30]

Cambodian families are still a patriarchal society in which women receive less

education and very little power both in government and in social roles. Women are

expected to take care of the home, however in many families they are also the sole

income earners for the family.[30] There is indication that womens role is changing


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with the younger generation, however women are still not given the same

opportunities as men.[30]

1.2.7 Millennium Development GoalsThe Millennium Development goals, which the UN aims to have completed by 2015,

are as follows[40]:

- End Poverty and Hunger:Target 1: Halve, between 1990 and 2015, the proportion of people whose

income is less than $1 a day

Target 2: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all,

including women and young peopleTarget 3: Halve, between 1990 and 2015, the proportion of people who suffer

from hunger

- Universal Education:Target 1: Ensure that, by 2015, children everywhere, boys and girls alike, will

be able to complete a full course of primary schooling

- Gender Equality:Target 1: Eliminate gender disparity in primary and secondary education,

preferably by 2005, and in all levels of education no later than 2015

- Child Health:Target 1: Reduce by two thirds, between 1990 and 2015, the under-five

mortality rate

- Maternal Health:Target 1: Reduce by two thirds, between 1990 and 2015, the under-five

mortality rate

Target 2: Achieve universal access to reproductive health

- Combat HIV/AIDS:Target 1: Have halted by 2015 and begun to reverse the spread of HIV/AIDS

Target 2: Achieve, by 2010, universal access to treatment for HIV/AIDS for

all those who need it

Target 3: Have halted by 2015 and begun to reverse the incidence of malaria

and other major diseases

- Environment Sustainability


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Target 1: Integrate the principles of sustainable development into country

policies and programmes and reverse the loss of environmental resources

Target 2: Reduce biodiversity loss, achieving, by 2010, a significant reduction

in the rate of loss

Target 3: Halve, by 2015, the proportion of the population without sustainable

access to safe drinking water and basic sanitation

Target 4: By 2020, to have achieved a significant improvement in the lives of

at least 100 million slum dwellers

- Global PartnershipTarget 1: Address the special needs of least developed countries, landlocked

countries and small island developing states

Target 2: Develop further an open, rule-based, predictable, non-discriminatory

trading and financial system

Target 3: Deal comprehensively with developing countries debt

Target 4: In cooperation with pharmaceutical companies, provide access to

affordable essential drugs in developing countries

Target 5: In cooperation with the private sector, make available benefits of

new technologies, especially information and communications

By proposing the use and implementation of renewable energy in Tonle Sap we

believe that we can help the area become cleaner, healthier, sustainable and eventually

more developed.


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1.3 L ITERATURE REVIEW

1.3.1 DEFINTIONS

A/C Current - In alternating current the flow of electric charge periodically reverses

direction. An electric charge would for instance move forward, then backward, and

repeat this movement indefinitely. This can be represented accurately by a sine wave.

(Hawkins 1917)

D/C Current - Direct current (DC) is the unidirectional flow of electric charge. Direct

current may flow in a conductor such as a wire, but can also be

through semiconductors, insulators, or even through a vacuum as in electron or ionbeams. The electric charge flows in a constant direction, distinguishing it

from alternating current (AC). (Hawkins 1917)

Rectifier - A rectifier is an electrical device that converts alternating current (AC)

to direct current (DC), this conversion is known as rectification. Rectifiers can be

used in components of power supplies and as radio signal detectors. (Hawkins 1917)

A device which performs the opposite function (converting DC to AC) is known asan inverter. (Hawkins 1917)

Aeroelastic Flutter - A self-feeding vibration where aerodynamic forces on an object

couple with a structure's natural mode of vibration to produce rapid periodic motion.

Electromotive Force (emf) - electromotive force is "that which tends to cause current

(actual electrons and ions) to flow. (Irving 1916). An example of such a force is that

created by a vibrating or rotating magnet in close proximity to a copper wire.

1.3.2 RESEARCH AND FINDINGS

The sources that were used have led to many useful discoveries regarding the project.

By combining the research we have been able to propose a solid plan for the

implementation of Wind Belts into Tonle Sap as a primary charger of car batteries.


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Through the information on climate change we have devised that any use of fossil

fuels must be pushed to be eradicated, this is also relevant in the transportation (or

lack thereof) of materials to be used in the construction process. This area of research

also helped us rule out other options which we considered at a key decision making

time of the project, such as the clearing of land for wind turbines. Climate change is a

large concern for a large proportion of global projects in the current day. For any

proposal to be considered, climate change must be taken into account seriously and

proportionately.

The information on wind speeds has helped us in accurately predicting the average

power that we can generate over a period. Without this knowledge it would be hard to

compare and compete against the already primed diesel industry in Cambodia. The

wind atlas was helpful in giving information on the wind speed in the Tonle Sap area,

and had useful graphs, tables and maps.

The information on implementation of renewable energy in developing countries

presented in the sources was reassuring and functional. Several reports showed that

this is definitely a large part of the development of these countries, and can play a big

part in boosting the economy.

The online videos played a big part in introducing our group to the technology of

Wind Belts. They displayed the way in which a Wind Belt works and the general

science behind it. The inventor, Shawn Frayne, describes different applications of the

Wind Belt, different materials which can be used, influences and why it was

originally invented.


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2. Design Options andConsiderations

2.1 WIND TURBIN ES

When contemplating wind power, the conventional Wind Turbine was an obviousinitial concept. Wind turbines have been developed as a large-scale community based

renewable energy solution, where turbine farms have been shown to be effective in

supplying substantial amounts of energy to towns. However the conditions to make a

wind turbine effective through cost and efficiency do not satisfy the context on the

Tonle Sap region they require consistently high wind areas for best efficiency.

Whilst they are capable of outputting kilowatts of power, suitable for supplying an

entire developing nation community, the limitations in these regions and the negative

impacts of turbines outweigh the implementation benefits. [41]

Studies of currently implemented wind turbines, from the wind energy development

program, highlight a number of concerns voiced by communities involved with wind

turbines.

Noise pollution from the turbine blades can be loud. The tower needs to be built around 30m high, creating an eyesore for the

community and tourists visiting the region.

The impact of the blade rotation, over 100km/h, kills thousands of birds ayear.

Additionally, there are severe economical impacts of turbine implementation. The

most technologically advanced and efficient systems now cost between 1 2.5

million USD. Beyond this, there is the transport cost, rated as high as 20% of the

build cost, as well as the maintenance and monitoring of the performance of the

turbine.


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With this known, we concluded that wind turbines were not a suitable solution to

energy in the Tonle Sap region.


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2.2 SOLAR WATER DISINFECTION

Access to clean water is imperative to any living being on Earth. The people of Tonle

Sap drink directly from polluted lakes containing waterborne viruses such as e-coli.We considered the sanitisation of water to be a hugely important issue in the region

and came across a Solar Water Disinfectant solution. The SODIS bag uses UV rays

from the sun to kill almost all bacteria that cause preventable disease in polluted

waters. Filling the clear plastic bags with lake water and leaving them in the sun for

around 6 hours kills enough bacteria for the water to be suitable for drinking. This

solution has been implemented in a few regions already, utilising plastic water bottles

for convenience. There have been limitations with importing these plastic bottles,

however Shawn Frayne is currently developing a self-sealing SODIS bag, that can be

easily manufactured cheaply and to a high quality, and then imported to the

developing community. [34]

A second limitation that deterred our group from the SODIS concept was the

environmental impact of importing thousands of plastic bags. Plastic is an easily

damaged material, and once it is torn or damaged, is useless for storing water, leaving

huge amounts of plastic waste that will pollute waterways and harm the environment.

Finally, the SODIS bag may vastly change social patterns in the communities of the

Tonle Sap. In most third world communities, women (who predominantly fill the role

of gathers) will make fetching water from wells and other known healthy sources, an

activity that may require hours of time walking or performing tedious labour, a social

event. With the introduction of household SODIS bags, the need to obtain water is

removed, and the people of Tonle Sap will lose part of the social life within the

community.


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2.3 SOLAR PANELS

Solar panels are slowly becoming a more efficient and feasible solution for UV

energy harvesting. In developed nations, such as the United States of America, solarfarms are fast becoming one of many solutions to the worldwide energy crisis. The

problems we immediately foresaw with solar panel implementation in Tonle Sap are

yearlong use, damage potential and social inequity. [5]

The process behind harnessing the suns energy requires access to the suns rays. Being

a monsoonal region, there will be long periods of time during the year of cloud and

rain, which will prevent the production of solar energy. We needed a solution that

could be implemented all year round, as any lapses in the performance of a new

solution provides a reason for the Tonle Sap community to revert to their

environmentally unsustainable pre-intervention practices.

Solar panels are highly fragile, expensive systems. The threat of high winds and

strong rain during monsoon season poses a serious threat of damage to the panels,

which once damaged, often must be replaced. The high likelihood of this occurrence

is unfavourable for a community living on $2 USD per person per day.

Social inequity between those that can afford a solar panel system and those who

dont have this luxury could result in community tensions. There is potential for an

increase in the crime rate, with panels being stolen or damaged, which would be

detrimental to the development created by the improved living standards that

renewable electricity provides.

A review and resulting dismissal of these systems left our team to settle with a wind

based concept called the Windbelt.


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3. Design Details

3.1 PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN

The Windbelt is an innovation which is based around the two main principles of

Aeroelastic Flutter and Electromagnetic Induction.

3.1.1 Principle 1: Aeroelastic Flutter

Aeroelastic Flutter involves aerodynamic forces acting on a structure to result in a self

feeding high energy oscillation. Flutter has the potential to occur in any object subject

to wind. If there is positive feedback in the structure between the aerodynamic forces

and its natural vibration, flutter will occur. This means that the vibrational oscillation

of the object, coupled with wind, will drive the object to move farther or faster.

Aeroelastic Flutter results in self-exciting oscillation and will build up until the

aerodynamic or mechanical damping of the system matches the energy input. At this

point, large amplitudes of motion are occurring which can cause rapid failure in

structures. The potential for destruction was illustrated by the catastrophic failure of

the Tacoma Narrows bridge.

The Tacoma Narrows bridge was only 4 months old when it collapsed. During the

bridges lifespan, it was observed that during steady winds around 42 miles per hour,

the bridge would oscillate in a harmonic like motion, shown by in figure 7. The

amount of energy required to cause enormous amounts of steel and concrete to move

and eventually collapse must have been huge.


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American Engineer Shawn Freyne recognised the potential to harness the energy

caused by aeroelastic flutter and channel it into a very simple yet efficient renewable

energy source.

3.1.2 Principle 2: Electromagnetic Induction

The second principle behind the Windbelts design is that of Michael Faradays

electromagnetic induction. Electromagnetic induction is the production of voltage

across a conductor in a changing magnetic field.[15]

Faraday found and stated that the induced electromotive force or EMF in any closed

circuit is equal to the time rate of change of the magnetic flux through the circuit. [26]

Faradays law is:

Figure 7. The Tacoma Narrows Bridge [26]


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Where N is the number of loops of a conductive coil

is the change of electromagnetic flux [33]

In practice, a changing magnetic field applied through a conductive wire in a closed

circuit will generate electricity. The current produced in the Windbelt is an alternating

current, with a frequency typically between 50 and 60 Hz, depending on the wind

speed and construction dimensions for the unit.

This gives us the building blocks for the creation and effective application of the

Windbelt.

One more principle that needs to be addressed is the process of converting the

generated alternating current to direct current. The conversion is required for storage

in a DC lead acid battery found in a typical Tonle Sap household.

To change AC to DC we need a rectifier. A Rectifier is an electrical device that

converts alternating current to direct current, suitable for trickle charging a lead acid

battery. The simplest rectifiers are made from a single diode. The diode works by

blocking either the negative or positive portion of the input wave to leave just direct

current as shown in figure 8.

Rectifiers become more advanced with multiple diodes and bridges to smooth the

output current and convert both positive and negative polarity input current. The end

result produces a smoother more efficient conversion to direct current.

Figure 8. The input and output of a Rectifier. (public domain, no reference)


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3.2 CONCEPT

Our team, Gone With the Wind settled on a conceptual design based around American

Engineer Shawn Freynes Windbelt. The Windbelt is a wind based power generator,and is the only design in its field that doesnt require a turbine. The Windbelt applies

the concepts of aeroelastic flutter and electromagnetic induction to harness the

renewable energy wind resource and output a low voltage of alternating current.

3.2.1 ComponentsThe Windbelt is a very simple design that can be self modified and enhanced to suit

the needs of the user. The main components are a containing bracket, two copper

coils, two strong button magnets, a ribbon and some bolts and wing nuts to piece

together the entire system.

3.2.1.1 Bracket

The bracket holds together the entire unit. It can be fabricated from any available

material such as treated timber, aluminium or plastic. The bracket requires a top and

bottom piece and four spacer pieces. (See drawings for dimensions). It is important to

consider the lifespan of the material since exposure to the elements is imminent.

According to the Engineers Without Borders supplied information, Sawn planks of

timber are locally available for about $4/m. Weather treatment and protection will

need to be applied, or else the Windbelt can be sheltered in an environment that

channels wind through the capture zone. [10]

3.2.1.2 Copper Coils

The copper coils provide the medium for electromagnetic induction, as explained in

the concepts section. According to Faradays law of induction, the induced

Electromotive Force (EMF) is directly influenced by N, the number of turns in a

coil. We plan to use coils that have the maximum number of turns to fit in the

available space between the bracket and the ribbon. To reduce the cost of the unit, we

hope to make use of available electronic waste imported into the region from

developed nations. There are copper coils in almost all appliances such as televisions

and speakers. Any of these coils will potentially work in the Windbelt, and education


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into how to extract and employ these already available resources will aid in a more

cost affective unit.

3.2.1.3 The Ribbon

The ribbon is the platform for the entire functionality of the Windbelt. When exposed

to wind above 3m/s the ribbon in our Windbelt will experience aeroelastic flutter.

Wind will cause the ribbon to move up and down with high frequency oscillating

motion. It can be pictured to be similar to the flutter of a tarp on the back of a ute, or

the vibration of a piece of grass stretched between your fingers. The material for the

ribbon can be anything durable enough to withstand monsoon weather and high wind

forces. The company Humdinger have shown that a Mylar coated ribbon will be most

durable and lightweight solution. It is key for the ribbon to be as light as possible so

that the cut in wind speed for flutter is minimised. The ribbon also needs to be

torsionally strong so that the oscillation is as linear as possible, with little twist during

the motion.

3.2.1.4 Magnet s

Two button magnets are attached to the ribbon in line with the centre of the copper

coils. Joining the magnets on either side of the ribbon means they naturally attract,

and using strong magnets will prevent movement over time. The stronger the

magnetic field, the greater the magnetic flux and thus the larger induced current. As

the magnets move up and down with the flutter of the ribbon the polarity of the field

through the copper coils reverses. This change in polarity results in an alternating

current best represented by the sine wave in figure 8.

We now have the basic foundations for a simple Windbelt appropriate for

implementation in the Tonle Sap region. The final design of the unit is shown in the

drawings section.

To capture the power output from the Windbelt, we plan to connect the wires from the

copper coil into a rectifier for AC to DC conversion, and then plug the DC power into

a lead acid battery.

The end goal for the Windbelt is to replace the reliance on diesel generators and the

costs associated with recharging lead acid batteries. This unit will serve as a trickle


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charger for the battery and slowly recharge it when not in use for household

appliances.


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3.3 DESIGN EVOLUTION

3.3.1 Design Considerations and Influences

The original basis for Gone With the Winds solution to the energy problems in the

Tonle Sap came from Humdingers Windbelt technology.

The original design and development by Shawn Frayne focused on a wind energy

solution for the third world region Haiti. His solution addressed many of the key

points we needed to consider for implementation in Cambodia.

Upon careful consideration of the environment that our Windbelt will be used in, wemade some useful adaptions to the unit.

Firstly we needed a method to convert and store the generated power into a lead acid

battery. The concept we applied employs a simple rectifier joined into the circuit to

convert the generated AC current into DC current. The rectifier will be attached to the

top frame piece of the Windbelt, to maintain the portability of the unit.

From the rectifier, we needed to ensure maximum portability and flexibility of the

unit. It was suggested that we have a Windbelt that can be used in the household, a

boat, a field or anywhere that superior wind may be found. With this in mind, we have

neglected a fixed position mounting. If long insulated wires are used from the rectifier

to the battery, the Windbelt can be placed on the roof of households.

People in the Tonle Sap travel by boat the majority of time during the wet season. To

maximize the potential to generate electricity, we thought about how to attach the

Windbelt to a moving boat and generate power to be stored for later use. The simplest

and cheapest innovation for this, was to tie or clamp the Windbelt onto the nose of the

boat. We knew that the household lead acid battery needed to be transportable since it

already needs to be recharged regularly, hence, we have a fully transportable system

that can make use of the wind experienced in a moving boat.


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3.3.2 Prototype Testing and PerformanceThe construction of our prototype saw a full scale working Windbelt capable of

generating energy.

To test the prototype, we used a three speed fan to provide a constant supply of wind

power, coupled with a multimeter to observe the output voltages.

We noted that the Windbelt underwent flutter during all three wind speeds,

highlighting the versatility of the unit, capable of working in a range of winds.

We tested the unit with low to medium strength button magnets, as well as more

powerful natural earth magnets.

Figure 9 shows a rough list of the performance of the prototype:

Wind Speed (Fan setting) Output Voltage (Normal

Magnets)

Output Voltage (Natural

Earth Magnets)

1 (low) 0.01 Volts 0.03 Volts

2 (medium) 0.04 Volts 0.7 Volts

3 (High) 0.09 Volts 1.0 Volts

From Figure 9, there is a direct connection to the magnetic field strength and the

induced voltage. The much stronger natural earth magnets immediately improved the

performance of the Windbelt.

As discussed in the concepts section, Faradays law shows the relationship between

field strength and induced EMF:

Where the numerator (magnetic flux) is directly dependant on magnetic field strength

(B):

Without a method to test the tension in the belt, we were unable to tabulate the

optimum belt tensions Vs wind speed.

Figure 9. Wind Speed Vs Output Voltage


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3.3.3 Review of PrototypeUpon reviewing the successes of the prototype, we re-evaluated our design to include

a few more features.

During testing, it was difficult to make small changes to the tension in the belt. A

tensioning rod, similar to those used in guitars or even tennis nets needs to be

included into one end of the frame for easy adjustments. Using either a threaded

screw, or a small gear teeth mechanism, the belt can be attached to the tensioning rod

and very slightly altered to achieve the peak voltage output.

Since wind will often vary in direction and can change without warning, a self-

righting position system will increase the overall production of energy and

independence of the Windbelt. The final production unit will include a tail, like those

featured on weather stations to determine wind direction. The Windbelt will be

mounted on a swivel with the tail attached to the frame. The flow of the wind will

naturally cause the tail to direct the Windbelt perpendicular to the direction of the

wind.


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3.4 ANALYSIS

Vast potential for modification of the Windbelt remains. The simplicity and

compactness of the Windbelt enables it to be used for various purposes and in vastlydiffering situations. Windbelt technology could be effectively utilised in many

situations from an emergency telephone to harnessing energy from moving air when

strapped to a vehicle such as a boat or bicycle. Whilst the most obvious use of this

technology remains the powering of personal dwellings, the use of Windbelts could

not only power pre-existing appliances (currently running on unreliable generators

and car batteries) but could even make new infrastructure such as an early warning

system, for floods and other natural disasters, feasible.

While Windbelts may not generate enough power to provide for large appliances they

can be taken advantage of in more small-scale technology such as streetlights, phones

and speakers. Positioning of the Windbelt is important in maximizing wind flow

across the belt, thus making it more efficient. A transportable panel of Windbelts may

also be very helpful in harnessing the energy of the moving air when travelling in a

boat, to power batteries for personal use in dwelling or on the transport itself. This

panel of Windbelts could generate enough power to be used in the home for lighting,

cooking or other minor appliances.

Windbelt technology could also be applied to community buildings such as schools,

which currently are unpowered. Through even the simple implementation of lighting

in school the community could benefit so much more. This could also be further

implemented so that there is internet access at community buildings, and seen through

the vast use of mobile phones in the area, there is every possibility the community

will use the internet.

If there was some reason that a family could not have or use a Windbelt, the recharge

stations could build many Windbelts and have a wind farm of them. This way a

family is still able to recharge their battery, and although it is likely to still cost

money, it would be much more environmentally friendly. This would be good for the

recharge stations as they will lose clientele with the introduction of our project.


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3.5 FINAL DESIGN


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4. Construction

4.1 SCHEDULE

Whilst it is difficult to interpret the timeframe required, even for a small project such

as the implementation of the Windbelt in the Tonle Sap, it is expected that there

would be a time interval of 2-3 years between the receipt of grant funds and the

installation of the final units in the first round of implementation. The timeline below

illustrates this model.

Time

(months)

Action

0 Receipt of the United Nations Development Programme Small Projects

Grant. With these funds available, immediately a pilot program canbegin, introducing the Windbelt to 50 homes with relevant education to

the household.

6 Evaluate the pilot program by gaining verbal feedback from households

on issues such as practicality, cultural appropriateness and any other

areas they believe to be of concern, as well as examining the Windbelt

in each household for loss in performance, wearing, as well as any other

technical problems. From this evaluation the design can be modifiedaccordingly.

8 Work with Live and Learn Environmental Education, as well as

consultation with the community to develop the training program for

those to be employed in maintaining the Windbelt.

9 Begin the training program for workers to manufacture and maintain the

Windbelt, providing a combination of practical and theoretical training.

Simultaneously, begin education programs in the community to ease

adaptation to life with the Windbelt, so as to improve the chances of the


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longevity of the device in the community.

12 Begin the installation of the Windbelt in homes. Whilst the households

will not be required to pay for the Windbelt device, they must employ

someone to install the device properly. More workers should continue to

be trained to service the growing population of Windbelts.

18 The transition of the management of the Windbelt project to Live and

Learn Environmental Education and the Tonle Sap community should

be initiated, by providing on and off the job training to identified change

agents, as well as providing greater responsibilities to the Cambodian

citizwens involved in the project.

24 Complete Cambodian management of the project should be reached by

this point, with only casual liason between the Cambodian management

and Engineers Without Borders.

24-36 Final Windbelts installed. First round of installation complete.

As with any development project, whilst the implementation schedule appears to be

viable on paper, the many unpredictable facets of providing development aid presents

a likely potential that reality may be highly divergent to the schedule. By working

with the community throughout the course of the project to create a sense of local

ownership, it could be expected that issues such as communication breakdowns,

corruption, community resistance, inappropriateness of design and many others that

impede cooperation, may be minimised as much as possible to improve the likelihood

of a smooth introduction of the Windbelt to the Tonle Sap community.

This schedule reflects only an initial round of installation. Pending the success of

this first round, further aid funding and the development of technology, more rounds

of installation may take place in the future, expanding the targeted geographical area,

or aiming to install multiple Windbelts per household as future energy consumption

may demand.

Figure 10. Timeline for the implementation of the Windbelt to Tonle Sap


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4.2 COSTI NG

All the materials needed to construct the prototype Windbelt were found at local

hardware stores.

The timber and ribbon we used were cutoffs from home. Theoretical prices for these

components are used in the following table.

Material Cost $AUD Approx Cambodia

Riel

Washers (x2) $0.48

1800

Bolts (x2) $5.54

21300

Timber Screws (12pack)

$3.38

1300

Wing Nuts (x2) $2.20 8500Button Magnets (6

pack)$ 5.82

22400

Timber (2.5m) - (Householdcutoffs used)

40000

Mylar TaffetaRibbon (2m)

- ($1.90 per 16mroll)

7300

Copper Coil(approx 22m)

$9.95

38300

TOTAL = $27.40

105500 Riel

As the components were purchased individually and from retail outlets, the price for

the prototype is significantly higher than the cost per unit that could be expected for

the actual Windbelt that would be implemented. It is expected that the cost per unit

for materials would be between $10 and $15 AUD approximately 39000 to 58000

Riel (Considering that the license to the intellectual property of the Windbelt must be

purchased from Humdinger Wind Energy, an approximation closer to $15 AUD is

more realistic). Similarly to the prototype, the timber for building the frame could be

recycled, or from a free and readily available source such as bamboo that grows in the

area, and quickly regenerates. Beyond this, many other components of the Windbelt

to be implemented could be recycled, with only the Mylar ribbon, and possibly some

copper coils and magnets, required to be purchased new for the production of the

Windbelt.

Figure 11. Cost Breakdown for the Windbelt Prototype


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Additionally, as a part of our maintenance scheme, those persons undergoing training,

and then producing the windbelt would be required to be paid during this training

period by Engineers Without Borders. This entails the wages of 20 manufacturing

workers, paid for three months at $70 USD/ month[1].

Assuming we receive a United Nations Development Programme Small Projects

Grant of $20,000 USD, a project budget can be created.

Small-Projects Grant 20000

Labour -4200

Community Education Schemes -500

1000 x Windbelts at approx $15/ windbelt -15000

TOTAL 300

Whilst this budget may seem tight, a lot of the costs are highly approximated, and

consequently, are probably much lower than estimated. The flexibility in the number

of Windbelts produced means that the project will not run into debt, just stop when

appropriate. Additionally, this budget does not account for any financial assistance the

Cambodian government may contribute to the project. Whilst the project will be

successful without any additional funding, as illustrated above, more funds will

enable a greater number of Windbelts to be produced, providing a greater proportion

of the population with free access to this renewable power.

Figure 12. Project Budget


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4.3 MAI NTENANCE

As with any technology, the wind-belt will require maintenance after it is

implemented in the Tonle Sap community, to ensure that it is successful in creatingpermanent, positive change. Some workers from the diesel industry will be displaced

as demand for this product is redirected to the green-power provided by the wind-

belt. However, through a scheme introduced with EWB partner, Live and Learn

Environmental Education, a training program to see these displaced persons, as well

as other unemployed members of the community, provided with the skills to service

wind-belts professionally may be implemented. Whilst traditionally electricity

generators are high-maintenance, with the wear resultant from the mechanical

processes that take place in their operation requiring frequent replacement of parts,

the simple design of the wind-belt, with no contacting, moving surfaces, means that

little maintenance is required, ensuring low ongoing costs to the household, and thus

reducing the likelihood of the wind-belt falling into disrepair and disuse.

Our maintenance scheme sees the aforementioned displaced workers undergo a 3

month training program, conducted through Live and Learn Environmental

Education, providing them with the skills to manufacture and maintain the Windbelt,

including extensive safety training, not only with regard to the handling of electricity,

especially in the wet context of the Tonle Sap Lake, but also in areas including the

safe resourcing of components for the Windbelt from recycled materials. These

qualified persons will then be available for hire by households, as a tradesman, to

maintain the Windbelts.


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4.4 CONSTRUCTI ON METHOD

4.4.1 Prototype Construction Method

Timber was measured, marked and cut to length into four pieces using an electrical

circular saw (Figure 9).

- 2 X 1000mm (Top and Bottom frame pieces)

- 4 X 80mm (Spacers)

All pieces of the frame were aligned. Markings were made for the timber screws and

the bolt holes which were then pre drilled. At each end of the 1m pieces, two timber

screws 60mm long were screwed through the top piece into a spacer (Figure 10)

The frame was then assembled with the M10 X 150mm bolts and wing nuts.Insulated copper wire was hand-wound around a hollow plastic tube as evenly as

possible for about 100 turns to make a copper coil. Once the first coil was wound, a

section of straight wire approx 300mm long was left unwound to allow the circuit to

reach from the top to the bottom of the frame (Figure 11). The second coil was wound

at this point, and after 100 turns, some excess wire was left free. This would allow an

appliance, rectifier, or, in the case of our prototype, a multimeter to be introduced into

the circuit.

Ribbon was then tightly clamped in one end of the frame by tightening the wing nut

on the bolt. To find the right tension in the belt, a fan was used to provide a constant

stream of air while the belt was pulled tighter. When the belt fluttered with the most

effective amplitude and frequency the second wing nut was tightened. We tested a

number of materials for the belt ranging from simple fabric ribbon, to videotape.

Unfortunately we were unable to obtain a sample of Mylar ribbon to test. However,

outside sources have found Mylar to be the medium of choice (See Concept

Components). Ribbon with a small fold down its length on either side was the chosen

medium as it had the least torsional rotation.


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Figure 13. Cutting Timber pieces using the circular saw

Figure 14. Drilling Timber screws for frame assembly


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Figure 15. Hand wiring a copper coil

Figure 16. Optimizing the output of the Windbelt using a multimeter


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To mark where the coils should be fixed to the frame, a multimeter was used to test

the voltages produced by two magnets attached to the fluttering belt. The magnets and

coils were moved between half way and the end of the belt to observe the maximum

induced voltage. We found the most effective position to be around 50mm inside the

end of the belt. (Figure 16)

A two-part epoxy was mixed to create a strong adhesive, and the copper coils were

glued to the frame and left overnight to set.

We now have our completed Windbelt power generator.

4.4.2 Construction of the Actual Windbelt to beImplemented

Many of the construction principles utilised in the construction of the prototype will

be relevant in the construction of the actual Windbelt to be implemented. The major

differences between the prototype and the actual Windbelt to be implemented lie most

prominently in the use of materials:

In the actual Windbelt, the ribbon will be made from Mylar Taffeta Ribbon,rather than the simple cloth used in the prototype. This will have no great

ramifications for construction, as similarly to the cloth ribbon in the prototype,

the Mylar ribbon will be stretched across the frame, held at each end by the

compressive forces in the timber frame created by the 150mm bolts and wing

nuts.

Machine-wound copper is essential for decent performance of the Windbelt, interms of power generated, however was not used in the construction of the

prototype. It would be inefficient to hand or mechanically wind the copper

into coils on-site in Tonle Sap, however pre-wound coils are available for

purchase, and can be recycled from the components of e-waste, which is found

in Cambodia.

The prototype uses relatively weak button magnets (more commonly known asfridge magnets), which is another contributory factor to the small amounts

of power it produced. In the actual Windbelt to be implemented, purchasing


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rare-earth magnets, or recycling them from e-waste, would be necessary to

produce greater outputs required to power a household.


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5. Design Appropriateness

5.1 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

With the implementation of our project there will be less oil in and around the Tonle

Sap region. The people in the Tonle Sap at the moment use petrol or diesel to power

their generators to recharge their batteries or travel to recharge stations to get them

recharged. Reducing the amount of petrol and diesel that is used will have significant

health benefits for both the people and the environment. When diesel combusts it lets

off poisonous nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide which is a

green house gas, these gases can change the pH of the lake, and are highly detrimental

to all life forms in and around the lake[37] . Another recurring problem in the Tonle

Sap is oil spills on the lake when the oil is being transported; with Windbelttechnology less oil will be transported on the lake which may lead to less oil spills.

In Cambodia 80% of the power comes from wood and charcoal[6], which has lead to

extensive deforestation in the area. If Windbelt technology can be used to replace the

burning of wood and charcoal, such as powering a hot plate, then this could decrease

the amount of logging in the area. This would also increase safety for homes, as most

homes are made out of wood or bamboo.

All materials for the Windbelt, in some form, can be purchased locally, although the

local alternative might not be as ideal as the materials we suggested. This will reduce

travelling costs that the current form of electricity must undergo, for example the

diesel must be transported to the community. This will reduce green house gas

emissions released through trucks or boats that are used to transport the oil.


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The materials needed in making the Windbelt can be recycled from many electronic

items, such as televisions. This will diminish the amount of waste that the local people

are producing, and hopefully reduce the amount of waste that goes into the lake.

An environmental problem associated with our project, is that it may promote further

and greater lead-acid battery purchases. As there is no current management to dispose

of these batteries, they may be deposited into the lake which could cause health

problems to people, fish, animals and plants. However our project plans to increase

the life of batteries, so this might offset some of the increased use of lead acid

batteries.


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5.2 ECONOMI C IM PACT

Most people on the Tonle Sap have access to electricity through twelve volt batteries.

However to recharge them, it is either through a diesel generator or they travel to arecharge station to pay 50 c for a battery. As 37% of the people living on the Tonle

Sap are below the poverty line[6] these costs are quite significant. Windbelt

technology will almost completely abolish these costs, as the technology generates

electricity from a free source; the wind. However, there may be some minimal costs

throughout the life of the Windbelt to maintain it; however these costs will be less

than a recharge.

A lead-acid battery in the Tonle Sap region is around $20 [6], which is a very

significant price to those living below the poverty line. With the recharge cost so high,

it is common practice to completely discharge the battery before taking it to a

recharge station. This reduces the life cycle of the battery and the number of recharges

it can have[18]. As a result by recharging the battery constantly, as our project will, the

batteries can last longer which will reduce the cost of electricity. As a result more

homes and families in the Tonle Sap will have access to electricity.

A possible downside is that the people will not go to recharge stations, reducing their

profit. It is possible that these people could incorporate the Windbelt technology into

their business; however it is most likely that their customers will diminish. The petrol

and diesel industry may also suffer, however the people will still need to buy these

products for their transportation, so this industry will not suffer significantly.


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5.3 SOCIAL AND CULTRAL IMPACT

Increased access to electricity will benefit the community in many ways.

Telecommunications will improve as radios and television set will be able to belistened and watched more frequently. Increased lighting at night will allow children

to study at night, furthering their education. Electric lighting is much safer than

candles or lamps, which are dangerous in wooden homes that may be subjected to

unstable levelling, if the house is floating. Furthermore, in a not properly ventilated

house, the fumes from candles and lamps can be dangerous to humans.

The younger generation of Cambodians have a lifestyle that is more television and

electronically based[30]. As this generation matures, it is certain that electricity

demands will increase. Windbelt technology will be able to supply that extra

electricity in an environmentally friendly way.

Through educating the people of the Tonle Sap region, new skills and knowledge is

created. Through learning how to build the Windbelt, our project hopes to further the

knowledge of the people about electricity and how to use it safely. Also by creating

new skill, the people may be able to gain new employment opportunities or help the

community in a positive way. Also through using materials that the local people can

make or sell could introduce a new industry in the area that will benefit the locals and

not an external company.

There are currently some solar panels in the Tonle Sap region. These panels appear to

be more on nicer looking homes[6], this suggests that solar panels are for more well-

off families. As a result if the Windbelt is marketed as a technology similar and as

good as the solar panels it is hoped that individual families want one as to look

prestigious to others, and to Cambodians their status image is considered of high

importance[30].

There is the possibility that the implementation of our project may displace people

form the diesel and petrol industry and recharge stations. However, it is our hope that


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these people will benefit from the education schemes of the Windbelts and are able to

gain new skills, and employment in this industry.


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1. Members shall place their responsibility for the welfare, healthand safety of the community before their responsibility to sectional

or private interests, or to other members;2. Members shall act with honour, integrity and dignity in order tomerit the trust of the community and the profession;3. Members shall act only in areas of their competence and in acareful and diligent manner;4. Members shall act with honesty, good faith and equity andwithout discrimination towards all in the community;5. Members shall apply their skill and knowledge in the interest oftheir employer or client for whom they shall act with integritywithout compromising any other obligation to these Tenets;6. Members shall, where relevant, take reasonable steps to informthemselves, their clients and employers, of the social,environmental, economic and other possible consequences whichmay arise from their actions;7. Members shall express opinions, make statements or giveevidence with fairness and honesty and only on the basis ofadequate knowledge;8. Members shall continue to develop relevant knowledge, skill andexpertise throughout their careers and shall actively assist andencourage those with whom they are associated, to do likewise;9. Members shall not assist in or induce a breach of these Tenets

and shall support those who seek to uphold them if called upon orin a position to do so.

Figure 17. The Tenets of the IEA Code of Ethics[1]

6. Professional Considerations

6.1 ETHICS

There are two ethical levels on which our group must reserve deep consideration of

our concept as engineers complying with the Engineering Australia Code of Ethics,

and as an aid organisation promoting development in the Tonle Sap community. Both

are equally relevant, and directly influenced the development of our concept, and the

proposed implementation of it.

6.1.1 Engineering EthicsThe Institution of

Engineers, Australia

(IEA), is a representative

body of professional

engineers, engineering

technologists and

engineering

associates/officers in

Australia, covering the

many facets of work in

the engineering industry.

The IEA has formulated a

code of ethics for

members, outlining the

principles for conduct in

the industry that reflect

the values held by the


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global engineering community. The code is centrally tied by three cardinal

principles[1]: to respect the inherent dignity of the individual, to act on the basis of a

well informed conscience, and to act in the interest of the community. These

principles form the basis for the Tenets of the Code of Ethics (figure 16), which serve

as a comprehensive, but not exhaustive, summation of the ethical responsibilities of

engineers. It is these tenets that have great influence on the solution we present to the

situation in Tonle Sap.

Tenets 1,2,4 and 6 refer to the role of engineers in serving the community. This

community is not exclusively the community of Tonle Sap, but also the global

community, including the team at Live and Learn Environmental Education, the

individuals, organisations and nations whose donations to aid make projects such as

ours possible, as well as future generations of citizens of Tonle Sap. We maintain the

independence of our project by only utilising funds from international, non-

denominational, Non Government Organisations (NGOs), and not requiring any

return from the Tonle Sap community as payment, thus enabling our scheme to

facilitate a functional and fruitful relationship between Live and Learn, and the

residents of Tonle Sap, without external influences that would otherwise consume

resources and draw attention away from the major issue that our scheme strives to

address.

The more abstract concept of the community of future generations of residents of the

Tonle Sap is closely associated with that of sustainability, a central theme of tenet 6.

Sustainability in this context refers to the ability of the solution provided by our

scheme to service the needs of future generations, not only from the perspective of

providing power, but also the needs to maintain, if not improve, current

environmental conditions, and promote economic prosperity for the future.

A major component of the issue of environmental sustainability stems from the

prospect of climate change, and the ramifications this will have, not only for the Earth

as a planet, but moreover the small, poverty-riddled communities such as Tonle Sap.

The effects of climate change are highly inequitable Generally, poor countries, and

poor people in any given country, suffer the most, notwithstanding that the rich

countries are responsible for the bulk of past emissions. (Stern, 2007, pg 28). As


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previously suggested, a major issue in electing an appropriate renewable energy

generation system to be implemented in Tonle Sap is the prospect of the ongoing

effectiveness of the energy generation system in the instance of climate change, and

the predicted ramifications for energy harvesting this will have. For example, whilst a

naturally logical solution for the present context in Tonle Sap is hydro-electricity,

harnessed from the tidal flows of the lake as it expands during monsoon season, then

contracts afterwards, experts predict that rainfall in Asia will be severely affected by

climate change in the coming decades, with not only a disintegration of the

seasonality of the current climate, but also a general reduction in the volume of

rainfall, as 1 billion Asian residents are expected to suffer water shortages by the

2050s[3]. Accordingly, whilst it would presently be reasonable to introduce a scheme

that harvests energy from the lake in the form of hydro-electricity, it would be

unethical to do so, given that contemporary science suggests that this may not be

sustainable in the medium to long term.

Again, it would be unethical to implement a solution to the energy issues in Tonle Sap

that undermined the local economy and thus was not financially viable for extended

use in Tonle Sap households. In order to prevent our scheme from falling into

disrepair, and consequently, disuse, it was essential that the maintenance costs to our

solution were low enough for an average household to meet as they arise. Beyond this

issue, the displacement of workers from the established diesel industry as consumer

demand would be redirected to the green power provided by our solution, should be

addressed through our solution, else the local economy would face negative impacts

as a result of the new technology, eroding the relationship between the Tonle Sap

community and Live and Learn Environmental Education as the implementers of the

aid. This is addressed in our solution with a training program that provides these

displaced persons, as well as other unemployed members of the community, with the

skills to professionally service the Windbelt, thus contributing to local income, and

preserving stimulation to the local economy.

6.1.2 Development Aid EthicsThere are many complexities involved in the provision of development aid, due to

cultural, political and geographical differences that exist and often contribute to the


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situation in poverty-stricken areas, that consequently lead to a multitude of issues

involved in the implementation of effective and enduring relief. In recent decades, the

understanding and expectation of ethics in the provision of international aid has

evolved and grown substantially, to encompass a system of experience, theory and

advice for decision making[14].

6.1.2.1 Method s for Funding Aid

Whilst there are several views on how the funding for international aid should be

obtained, regarding the ethical treatment of donors, as well as those receiving the aid,

our project utilises aid from charity, namely the charity of NGOs. This is a common

method for funding aid, and is widely considered to be ethically sound, with the

prerogative of parties to donate, and to decide how much to donate, underpinning the

sovereignty of the system, yet still enabling those in need, in this case the residents of

the Tonle Sap, to access the assistance they need.

The major shortcoming associated with the use of charity as aid is the conditionality

that the donor often holds the position to impose on the receiver.

6.1.2.2 Pow er Plays in the Funding of Aid

One of the major criticisms of Aid funded by charity is the power, or control, over the

funds reserved by the donor. The conditionality that donors are often able to impose

on the receivers for how the donated funds are to be utilised, a product of the high

demand for, compared with supply of, aid funding, has been shown to have many

negative consequences, including inefficiency resulting from a lack of flexibility and

adaptability to change, as well as perhaps most importantly, the demotion of the aid

recipient to a subordinate position, creating international tension and consequently

eroding the success of development cooperation.

Our scheme attempts to overcome these power plays by the cooperative development

of a solution, combining the technical knowledge and skills of the engineers from

developed countries, and the local knowledge and wants of the Tonle Sap residents.

By avoiding exclusive funding from individual nations, instead seeking funding from

the United Nations, the ability of the donor to implement control over funds should

similarly be reduced.


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6.1.2.3 In teract ions Between Developers and the Develop ing

Communi ty

The presence of developers in any developing community can have profound effects

on the success of the project within the community. The image portrayed by

developers of life in a developed country, and the developeds perceptions of the

developing, communicated through conduct and behaviour, dress, integration and

interest in community life and other displays of financial status and frivolity directly

affects the communitys attitude towards the aid they receive, and consequently their

participation in development cooperation. Different aid organisations have different

policies on how developers should interact with the community they are assisting. The

United Nations style per diem system is popular,

An official sent out-of-station is paid large amounts per day

in addition to his/her salary and travel costs, in order to cover

all possible hazards of life amongst the heathen and to sustain a

style of life sufficient to impress upon them the status and

resources of his/her organisation. (Gasper, 1999, pg 20)

however the extravagant displays involved in this system have great consequences in

creating distance between developers and the community they are working in,

hindering the effectiveness of work. Mutual stereotyping from both parties in the aid

implementation process presents a severe barrier to achievement of development.

Whilst many different perspectives are taken on the role that the community sho

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