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WVPA Sharing: Local entrepreneur aims to make a difference

By Brittany Furbee, Megu Kolanko and Anjelica Trinone

Justin Chambers is an up and coming entrepreneur from West Virginia who hopes to use his collapsible wind turbine technology to make a difference in the world.

Justin Chambers, shown here with his wind turbine,  is a Ph. D student at West Virginia University.  He is an engineer trying to make a difference around the world

Justin Chambers, shown here with his wind turbine,
is a Ph. D student at West Virginia University.
He is an engineer trying to make a difference around the world

Chambers, inventor and co-owner of WindPax, developed the patent pending technology as a senior design project during his last year at West Virginia University. WindPax specializes in small scale collapsible and portable wind turbines that feature blades with a unique geometry, and a vertical axis design unlike traditional wind turbines. The core of the turbine contains a power generator and a removable power storage system that offers you easily accessible power on the go.

Chambers, shown constructing a wind turbine, developed his idea and design as a senior design project at WVU

Chambers, shown constructing a wind turbine, developed his idea and design as a senior design project at WVU

This product was created to be used on the go so it is easy and quick to assemble. The collapsible design allows for it to easily be compacted and rolled up much like an umbrella. It is then placed inside the 13 inch holding tube, and ready to be tossed into a back pack, or stored away. Once packed away the smallest turbine pack weighs less than 4 pounds which provides for easy and lightweight traveling. These devices can be used for outdoor activities, military operations, and even emergency preparedness. While these are all great applications for a collapsible wind turbine Chambers plans to take things one step further. There is a great need for cheap and efficient energy supplies in third world countries and Chambers has the opportunity to provide these regions with a life altering power supply through WindPax.

 

The product, shown it it's simplest form, is made from basic materials.

The product, shown it it’s simplest form, is made from basic materials.

 

“It is a goal of mine to introduce useful technology in these areas that can provide energy not only for small devices and luxuries but also a tool to educate and support public health in these areas” Said Chambers.

By providing third world countries with WindPax wind turbines Chambers is confident that they will be able to alter the lives of people in need. Providing these villages with wind turbines will not just give them basic necessities like lights, but it will also increase educational opportunities and allow for easy access to critical medical care.

Chambers is currently in the start-up phase for his company. He is preparing to launch a Kickstarter campaign in the fall of 2013 in order to obtain funding for final designs and production molds. Chambers has received interest from numerous retailers, such as Cabelas and REI, who are interested in putting WindPax products on their shelves. He is also seeking a partnership with an outreach program that will make his dreams of helping people in third world countries become a reality.

Chambers said “We are looking to partner with organizations that understand what these communities need so we will be able to provide them with a technology that can be used to alleviate a lot of the problems surrounding these areas.”

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