I was asked by the Calthorpe project to come up with a project that combined hands on building and science with renewable energy, into something useful and interesting to visitors.
We finally decided on a wind powered mobile phone charger; the wind charges a battery and then this power is available to the garden’s visitors to charge their phone or make an emergency phone call.
I’m developing the design and the electronics now, so we can build the whole thing on site with their young people. This will involve making the blades, mounting the motor, erecting the mounting, connecting the electrics and the battery. I’m hoping we can make a lot from old bike parts. This section of the project will be delivered in 4 half day segments in July.
After we’ve done the Calthorpe install, I’ll be looking for other locations for more wind chargers!
Check the wiki for more information about the design as it progresses…
