CREATIVES

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Anemo

The Anemo project is a pioneering wind-based triboelectric nanogenerator designed to revolutionise the agricultural industry's approach to powering IoT sensors. Its primary objective is to tackle the sluggish implementation rate of IoT sensors in precision farming by providing a low-cost and sustainable energy solution for small-scale and independent farmers.

Anemo embodies the spirit of "Bricolage" by ingeniously combining everyday materials in a new and creative way to enrich people's lives in the agricultural sector. Its core functionality lies in harnessing the power of ambient wind through the triboelectric effect.

Drawing inspiration from the concept of resourcefulness and DIY, Anemo harnesses the triboelectric effect by integrating flexible polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE/Teflon) strips and copper electrodes, transforming ambient wind into renewable electricity. As wind induces friction between the materials, electrons are transferred, generating an electrical charge. This electricity is then stored in a battery, serving as a renewable power source for IoT sensors used in precision farming.

What sets Anemo apart is its remarkable affordability and accessibility, empowering farmers with precision farming capabilities using easily available materials. The design process involved meticulous refinement and numerous iterations. From concept development to experimenting with various materials and configurations, the goal was to optimise energy generation. Besides PTFE and copper, the device can be fabricated using other widely accessible triboelectric materials. Rigorous testing under different wind conditions led to further enhancements in performance and durability.

The problem Anemo solves lies in the barriers faced by farmers in implementing IoT sensors. Traditional powering systems are expensive, leaving small-scale farmers with limited options to adopt precision farming practices. Anemo's affordability and easy construction using common materials offer a viable alternative. By providing a cost-effective and sustainable energy solution, Anemo empowers farmers to monitor essential parameters like soil moisture, temperature, and crop health, enabling data-driven decision-making for increased food production and minimised resource wastage. The open-source data visualisation platform further facilitates data interpretation, making precision farming accessible and driving agricultural sustainability into the future.

Anemo deployed in farmland.

Materials and Experiments.

Concept development through iterative prototyping.

Early concept and testing.

Anemo base unit and final concept.

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