Sunwind Design are a Victron Energy customer based in France. They specialize in innovative solar engineering systems design and operate across a range of sectors. Sunwind Design address solutions in areas such as:
- Isolated sites (shelters, mountain huts , radio communication)
- Electric mobility (terminals and charging stations)
- Solar lighting (low consumption technology, autonomy)
- Energy storage management (self- consumption, smart grid technologies)
Victron Energy equipment
A recent design of theirs that caught my eye is their Kwub range of autonomous solar charging stations. Not only is the design elegant and compact, it is ideal for charging electric bicycles in out of the way places and thereby enhancing access to such areas. Shown below are the internals of the design:
This model consists of:
2 x 12.8V-90AH Lithium batteries
1 x VE.Bus BMS (Battery Management System)
1 x BlueSolar MPPT 70/15 Solar charge controller (now replaced by the 75/15)
Two charging sockets and the BMV-700 are located on the external side of the rear facing hinged door shown above and below.
E-Bikes and the great outdoors
Making use of this technology is ViaVercors. This assists access to the more mountainous regions in France by using E-Bikes. This is part of a comprehensive approach to sustainable development and energy efficiency research, that is common to the Vercors Plateau and the Regional Natural Park of Vercors.
To facilitate the use of electrically assisted bicycles and mobility scooters in these areas the community is equipping its territory with these autonomous solar charging stations, positioned near their tourist offices. The website http://mabornesolaire.com/ is now starting to display the locations of this first network of solar charging terminals for electric bikes.
Mobility and a multimedia charge points
At the request of ViaVercors, Kwub units have now been upgraded to also include 2 x USB 1 Amp and 2 x USB 2 Amp sockets in order that multimedia devices such as smartphones, tablets and cameras can also be charged.
Further Information & Credits
Thanks to Jacques Noël of Victron Energy France for making me aware of this project and Sunwind Design for the images.
If you would like further information do contact Xavier Duport or Jonathan Dupieux of Sunwind Design.
SUNWIND DESIGN S.A.S
www.sunwind.fr
+33 (0)6 71 19 54 51
Conclusion
Personally I think autonomous outdoor mobility and a multimedia charge points are a great idea and I wish Sunwind Design every success. In fact it would be good to see some of the Kwub mobility and a multimedia charge points in our own community forest here in Scotland, and on our local island cycle pathways. I shall pass the Kwub message on.
John Rushworth
