The start of Positive Energy

The thought was to use wind/hydro power to help people in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico achieve energy stability. The area is susceptible to severe flooding during the rainy season, washing away roads and pathways, often for extended periods of time.

There are small pockets of people who live on the mountainsides, who, during the worst have no electricity. Not for pumping or boiling water, security/safety lighting, or for charging cell phones. Rainy season creates islands in the mountains.

This is where the idea for Positive Energy was born.

Most of the coastal area between Puerto Angel and Salina Cruz is blessed with an abundant wind resource. Winds in this area average between 5.3 m/s to over 8.5 m/s. With a 3 meter blade, and a wind of 5.3 m/s, the kinetic energy available is 639 watts. But at 8.5 m/s, the same sized blade can produce over 2,700 watts!

The Isthmus of Tehuantepec, Mex
Wind Resource Map, NREL

The other natural resource in this area is an abundance of spring fed streams in the mountains and numerous natural waterfalls (cascadas). Most of the water falls I've visited drop 2 - 5 meters into a standing pool cut into the rock.
Each one of these natural drops provides a possibility for electrical production using the same generator as the wind turbine, adapted for hydro use.

Map showing the rivers around Copalita

At this point I have a location in my known world that needs electricity, the resources are there, but not a generator to produce electricity. What's needed is an easy to manufacture unit. One that can be built using easy to source products, does not require an engineering degree to maintain, and is strong and robust. Enter Hugh Piggott.

Scoraigwind is Hugh Piggotts web site. Copies of his book can be purchased here.

http://scoraigwind.co.uk/

This gentlemen has been building wind turbines for over 30 years. Perfecting his craft through trial and error (both his and others) has led him to produce a book, aptly titled "A Wind Turbine Recipe". As I've said, this book culminates years of practical, hands on knowledge of what works, and what doesn't. Now I have a way of producing power.

Now the pieces are starting to fall together, the place, the resource, and the way to make it happen. But wait, these people have no money for a project like this. Most people in this area are fortunate to make $100 week, let alone "extra cash" for this.

There has to be a way. In searching the web for ideas I found out that others are doing the same thing as I type. People have successfully started programs building wind turbines for the electrification of rural areas, so it can be done.