What it does
KW-23 is a collapsible wind turbine that provides clean energy for Antarctic field researchers, replacing polluting and dangerous fuel-based generators by harnessing katabatic winds to power essential devices in extreme conditions.
Your inspiration
While researching sustainable energy solutions, multiple studies identified Antarctica as a place with underseen potentials . Despite being the windiest place on Earth, this energy source remains largely underused due to the region’s extreme conditions. Field researchers still rely on polluting, unsustainable fuel for basic tasks like melting ice to make water for everyday use. This contradiction inspired us to develop a cleaner alternative. By learning about their routines and challenges through firsthand accounts, we identified a clear need for a compact, portable, and easily deployable energy solution tailored for field research camps.
How it works
KW-23 is a collapsible wind turbine designed to harness Antarctica’s strong katabatic winds. At the top, curved louvers capture and direct the wind downward, reducing turbulence. The airflow is funneled through a narrow central section, like a Venturi tube, accelerating it before reaching the internal blades and generator, boosting efficiency. After passing through, the airflow is pulled away by the faster external wind, minimizing turbulence at the outlet. The energy is stored in a battery placed inside the tent, providing enough power for essential research and survival equipment. Lightweight and compact, KW-23 folds into itself for easy transport. Its outer fabric skirt wraps around the collapsed unit, becoming a protective case and storage for the battery. Once deployed, it’s stabilized with pickets and snow, like a tent. To prevent damage during storms or when inactive, a fabric cover can be pulled over the top to block airflow and protect internal parts.
Design process
Through desk research and visual ethnography, we gathered insights into researchers’ daily routines, energy needs based on their devices, and their available means of transport. During the process, we interviewed a geologist in the University of Johannesburg who gave us insights on his on-site experiences in Antarctica. We converged on a set of requirements for the wind turbine: it had to be portable by snowmobile, operable and repairable by one person with gloves on, resilient in extreme conditions, easy to anchor securely, provide emergency energy storage, and generate at least 200Wh of energy. Early sketches focused on airflow and collapsibility. We studied airflow behavior and analyzed concepts inspired by the Darwin-Venturi turbine. Inspired by origami and collapsible furniture, we developed our first concept. The first cardboard prototypes in different scales (1:1 and 1:5) explored the collapsibility and internal volume. Later iterations focused on transport and setup experience, integrating fabric elements, simplifying joints, and optimizing the airflow path. Using a 3D-printed 1:1 scale model of the blade system, we verified the repairability with gloves on. Finally, we created a 1:5 scale 3D-printed model of the entire system to test the full setup procedure.
How it is different
KW-23, unlike other portable turbines on the market, is tailored for extreme and remote environments. Usability was the core principle guiding every design decision, shaping both the choice of materials and the design of components. To prevent freezing and mechanical failure, rigid joints were replaced with flexible fabric connections and high-strength Velcro. When collapsed, the supporting legs transform into skis, making it easy to slide into position. Moreover, the sliding is favoured by UHMWPE, the same material used in sledges, ensuring resilience and longevity in harsh conditions. The top part is lightweight, collapsible, and durable thanks to a PE sandwich structure. It operates safely without exposed moving parts and is designed to be assembled with gloved hands in freezing conditions. All components are easily detachable for quick on-site repairs. Blades and louvers are replaceable as single units to maintain turbine operation in case of damage.
Future plans
Our next steps include developing a functional full-scale prototype to test in cold and windy environments. We aim to validate KW-23’s energy output, structural stability, and ease of assembly in collaboration with the researcher we interviewed. Based on test results, we will refine details to enhance durability and performance. In parallel, we plan to collaborate with polar research institutions and industry partners to pilot KW-23 in real field conditions. Long-term, we envision initiating a small-scale production run, establishing manufacturing and distribution partnerships, and evaluating the system’s scalability for broader applications.
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