S a Pectr Hh Uuu Rr a Letter from the Editor the Development and Optimization of Low- Cost Micro Wind Turbines for Off-grid Application in Developing Regions " " Synthesis of Oxidized Alginate Microbeads

Nearly two billion people worldwide have no reliable access to electricity, a vital part of the path to development. Micro wind power is one promising solution. Micro wind installations offer environmental sustainability, low capital costs, and excellent adaptability to diverse environmental and cultural situations. Yet, electrification projects in the developing world, including small-scale wind power, have struggled to reach the level of success needed to significantly close the developmental gap. Current studies suggest that this disappointment is largely due to issues with the local stakeholder, including a lack of experience, technical assistance, and funding. This research explores a different approach to technical design as a way to address the economic difficulties of implementing micro wind power installations. The approach taken is unique: the target wind turbine in this study is one that can be both built and repaired using tools and experience available in a developing community. Several different configurations of a battery-charging micro wind turbine were built and tested in both a controlled environment and in real-world situations. Factors analyzed include generator type, blade design, and cost. It is concluded that not only can a micro wind turbine can be built with methods available to developing communities, but such a turbine costs only 40% as much as the best commercial version on a per-watt basis and is far easier to maintain.