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Journal of Undergraduate Research

Keywords

Peru, wind turbine, electrical, power grid

College

Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering and Technology

Department

Chemical Engineering

Abstract

This project focused on the design of electrical components for a low-cost, low-speed wind turbine in Peru. The electrical components include the charge controller and the three-phase AC rectifier. These parts, if purchased from retailers, cost $100 and $30 USD respectively. The wind turbine was proposed for low-income residents of villages that are not located near power grids. The focus village was located on Lake Titicaca, Peru. Each family in this village has a monthly income of just under $30 USD. Their current source of electricity comes from solar panels that cost upwards of $1200 USD. In order for a village to purchase a solar panel, they must sign a five-year loan. The purpose of this project was to reduce the costs of the electrical parts in order to make a wind turbine a more affordable option. Building the electrical parts at a reduced cost was part of a broader project to build a small wind turbine.

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