Windternet is a designerly exploration of how we might create alternative and sustainble community energy infrastructures. Consisting of a DIY wind turbine with blades made from mycelium and a custom made affordable low-voltage solar/wind hybrid charge controller that can power a small web server, the prototype addresses a practical question of how to complement solar energy provision during the darker Swedish winters. Additionally, in the use of alternative mushroom mycelium based materials and recycled e-waste motors, the prototype also aims to address challenging questions of how both renewables and computing are dependent on extractive mining practices. In response, the Windternet project explores how working with regenerative commitments can bring to life alternative approaches to renewables and sustainable technological prototyping more generally.

The project is a collaboration at Linnnaeus University between Regenerative Energy Communities and Solar Internet, both financed by the Swedish Energy Agency.

Team: Eric Snodgrass, Miranda Moss, Daniel Gustafsson, Jorge Zapico, Helen Pritchard

Want to know more? Download our paper published at Computing within Limits 2024

Mycelium_Turbine

One of the explorations is the use of wind turbines for complementing solar energy during the darker Swedish winters. The wind turbines are grown from mycilium on waste materials.

Want to know more or build your own? Download the instructions/zine

Energy_meadow

The other exploration is a Low voltage solar/wind/ other generator hybrid charge controller. At 5V instead of 12V it decreases energy loses and can take in smaller chargers from DIY power generators.

Want to know more or build your own? Download instructions

Exhibition

The prototype was showcased at the exhibition Sun in My Backyard at Vandalorum together with Holding Surplus House

Contact

Want to get in touch? Contact us at team@regenerative-energy-communities.org