Document Actions
Nepalese Wind Turbine
The Background
Michelle Quach’s project, the Nepalese Wind Turbine, was inspired by the annual school trip to Nepal in 2001. Although Nepal is a country rich in renewable energy sources, such as wind and hydroelectricity, much of the power generation still relies on the burning of wood, and Michelle also observed severe logging of the forests and evidence of massive landslides. She believed that building industrial-style power plants in the area to accommodate energy needs would destroy the beautiful landscape and scenery. Incorporating the images she encountered, Michelle took up the challenge of designing an energy system inspired by traditional prayer wheels, that not only utilises a renewable energy source but is also viable economically, visually and culturally for the country.
The Project
Michelle chose a wind turbine design called a ‘savonius rotor’ - a vertical axis windmill that generates electricity and can be built from available and inexpensive material. She constructed the turbine from 44 gallon steel drums cut in to two halves. The two halves were offset to simulate the blades of a wind turbine. An electric motor was used to generate electricity from the turning blades. Michelle then painted the whole assembly with traditional designs that resemble traditional Nepalese prayer wheels; a familiar sight in rural Nepal. It is her hope that the turbine situated on the school grounds would serve as a memento for the girls who participated in the annual MLC Nepal trip and as inspiration for all seeking alternative forms of renewable energy.
The Journey
- Michelle learned the importance of cultural sensitivity when promoting innovative energy technology. She thoughtfully explored and integrated cultural symbols into the turbine’s design and sought to construct the turbine using readily available materials
- She concluded that complex environmental problems could be solved using simple solutions
- Through her project, Michelle continued to communicate the cross-cultural experience at her school
The emphasis on respecting different cultures and the potential social impacts of technology is a highly important aspect of sustainability and one that is often overlooked. This project considered what a Nepalese community might readily be able to build and maintain without expensive expert assistance.
