Applications and Implications

Week 18

Introduction

Introduction

On this page I shall do my best to answer the following questions:

My project is entirely my own, but I have been in communications with other Fab Academy students, sharing ideas and information.

Needs and Solutions

Needs and solutions

Identifying the user and solving their needs

Environmentally aware

This product is for those who wish to use less fossil-fuel based electricity and those who seek more control over their electrical use. The materials are as elementally friendly as possible, with minimized transportation impact due to local production hubs. Existing solutions are solar and wind power, but on a much larger scale.

Tech-literate

The product is for those who enjoy using apps to control their appliances. It suits those who like to wow guests with a beautiful display, and for those who habitually remember to update their apps for the best service. Many gadgets exist for those who enjoy playing with modern technology, but few have such an immediate and apparent use for the owner and their guests.

Lives in windy darkness

This product works best for those who do not get a lot of sunlight during the winter but do have plenty of windy days. It is meant to light up the dark nights, for example in areas where it is inconvenient or impractical to have wired lights. No small scale wind mill lamps like this are available to consumers, as they are considered energy inefficient.

Enjoys tinkering

The user is not averse to changing the occasional lightbulb or broken blade and understands that outdoor electronics require some maintainance and love. Other diy windmill projects exist, but are generally larger and meant to power a cabin or household. This project is unique in its smallness and specific purpose.

Q and A

Questions and Answers

An overview in short

What will it do?

The Wisp o'the Wind is a wind-powered garden light. It will generate its own power, store it, and light up at certain light levels.

Who's done what beforehand?

This product is unique, but competes with solar powered lights and regular, wired garden lights. For more info, see my PM page.

What materials and components will be required?

Resin, feathers, aluminum, circuit boards, electrical components, stepper motor, shell, base, blades, screws, bearings.

Where will they come from?

Recycling feathers, fablab for most other things.

How much will it cost?

The prototype is always more expensive, but I aim to keep costs below 8k ISK.

What parts and systems will be made?

All the parts will be made except the stepper motor and screws.

What processes will be used?

Molding and casting, composites, 3D printing, lathe, 4 axis milling, PCB milling, soldering, 3D modelling.

What tasks need to be completed?

Finish 3D modelling, making lights, figuring out BLE... pretty much everything.

What questions need to be answered?

How much energy can be produced on an average day? How much energy will the light need? What is the best way to weatherproof the lamp?

What is the schedule?

I will need to finish one step each day in order to finish my project on time. I have an external schedule which I will follow.

How will it be evaluated?

Success would mean a functioning product that can be reproduced. It should be evaluated based on usefulness and aesthetics.

Final takeaway

This project is not an easy one. It is challenging, but that is how we learn the most.

conclusion

There is a wonderful trend among people in Iceland and the Faroe Islands on being more environmentally friendly. This is my attempt at contributing to this trend. I hope that this will be a drop in the ocean of ideas.

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