Awards
Sky Twister chosen between the Global Top 50 entrepreneurs.
Here is a copy of the letter we recived.
Dear TurboEoms S. A.,
Congratulations! We are pleased to inform you that World Bank/infoDev has selected your company to participate in infoDev’s 5th Global Forum on Innovation and Technology Entrepreneurship. The Forum is hosted by the South African government (Department of Science and Technology), and will be held in East London, South Africa, from 28 – 30 May, 2013.
You have been selected as one of our “Global Top 50 Entrepreneurs”, prequalifying you for our Dragons’ Den pitching competition for grant prizes. As a qualifying participant, your travel and accommodation will be paid for by infoDev. Considering the number of entrepreneurs we evaluated and the quality of their ventures, you should be very proud of this recognition. Winners of the Dragon’s Den pitching contest can win up to $10,000 in grant financing, we are also confident it will lead to positive international media exposure. We hope that you can accept this honor by joining us in South Africa to participate in this historic event.
The Global Forum on Innovation and Entrepreneurship is infoDev’s biennial flagship event convening the global innovation and entrepreneurship community to exchange know-how, establish partnerships and develop innovative approaches. The Global Forum (GF) attracts over 600 business incubator managers, policy-makers, SME entrepreneurs, media, financiers, bilateral donors and development agencies from all continents for a unique south-south and north-south networking and knowledge-sharing experience.
Conference highlights:
The Forum will facilitate learning, business matchmaking, strategy, and knowledge sharing, with a special focus on the needs of African entrepreneurs and innovators:
- Meet with the Global Forum community and benefit from the experience of business leaders, powerful networks, and learning sessions on mobile, climate, and agribusiness innovation, as well as business incubation best practices.
- Join interactive sessions on mobile innovation, agribusiness, clean technologies, and women’s entrepreneurship.
- Celebrate inspiring entrepreneurs from developing countries at our Dragons’ Den pitching competition and meet financiers, business incubator managers, industry leaders, policymakers, members of the media, and donor representatives.
Invitation to the 12th World Wind Energy Conference 2013 Opening Doors to Caribbean Winds (WWEC2013) to be held in La Habana, Cuba, June 3 to 5, 2013.
Click here to see a paper wich was peer reviewed and approved for publication and presentation at the 12th World Wind Energy Conference 2013 Opening Doors to Caribbean Winds (WWEC2013) to be held in La Habana, Cuba, June 3 to 5, 2013.
Sky Twister was chosen to represent Costa Rica en the Clean Tech Open Global Forum 2012.
SkyTwister was given an invitation to participate in this prestigous event held in California from 07 december to november 10.
1st Place in Yo Emprendedor.
Yo Emprendedor is a competition in which hundreds of people bring their inventions and business projects to be judged and a analyzed from every point and every aspect.
Participated with great critics at the Eco World 2010 Fair in Singapur
The first time this turbine was showed to the world was at this fair, its simple design and its flawless production of energy even with low currents of wind summed up with it being completely silent made it a great attraction in the fair.
Some of the comments where:
"It is certainly a breakthrough in clean energy production"
"The smart use of this technology could change the way the world makes energy"
"It is simply a great invention"
News
Living Light: Using renewable energy in the home
Posted: Friday, July 06, 2012 - By Emma Kimata
In most areas, solar energy is the most logical renewable-energy option for Costa Rica, which averages about 5.5 hours of usable sunlight per day.
From the print edition
With Costa Rican residential electricity rates increasing an average of 12.7 percent over the past 12 years, according to the Public Services Regulatory Authority saving money on electricity costs while simultaneously cutting one’s carbon footprint is a win-win situation.
Fortunately, there are many options for producing and conserving energy in the home and also a number of local companies in the business of supporting this venture. Not only is it a practical investment, but it also contributes to Costa Rica’s efforts to preserve natural resources and reach carbon neutrality by the year 2021.
Conservation first
Jason Borner, founder of PODERCO Renewable Energy Company, which sells and installs solar, wind and hydro systems, says that the best way to begin is to consider ways to cut back on general energy consumption. Companies such as PODERCO offer energy-efficiency consultations, which enable clients to purchase the least expensive and most appropriate renewable-energy system and take other steps to reduce energy consumption.
According to Borner, the following are simple ways to lower electricity costs:
• Installing white or reflective roofing and walls to prevent transmission of excess heat to the building’s interior.
• Creating roof overhangs to shade the walls and avoid overheating.
• Checking for proper ventilation that will reduce the need for air conditioning (a major energy consumer).
• Replacing regular light bulbs with LED and Compact Fluorescent Lights.
• Purchasing Energy Star-rated appliances.
• Ensuring that wiring and cables are safe and have proper grounding to prevent loss of energy.
• Where in use, regularly change the air conditioner’s air filter to avoid obstruction of airflow and improve efficiency.
Taking these initial steps can result in significant savings by avoiding unnecessary energy use. Then, when it comes to considering installing renewable-energy systems, different options exist, including solar electric, solar thermal, wind and hydroelectric power systems.
In most areas, solar energy is the most logical renewable-energy option for Costa Rica, which averages about 5.5 hours of usable sunlight per day. Wind and small-scale hydro systems can also be effective, but depend on the availability of a constant source of wind or water. Mixing two or more sources of renewable energy, such as wind and solar, is also an option.
Solar electricity
In solar-electricity systems, photovoltaic (PV) panels convert sunlight into electricity. Solar tiles, which are sometimes preferred as a more aesthetically pleasing solar PV installation, are also an option and can be installed in lieu of regular roofing tiles.
Cham Brownwell, chief operating officer at Pura Vida Energy systems, which specializes in solar electricity, says, “Costa Rica is one of the few places in the world where solar reaches such rewarding parity, meaning the system will pay for itself quickly. While in the United States it takes from 11-14 years, in Costa Rica it takes only six to eight years. No other place has such a rapid return on investment.”
In some instances, there are added incentives and discounts tied to green energy. For example, Pura Vida Energy Systems offers a program called “Poder al Pueblo” (Power to the People), which allows a group of 10 or more to collectively purchase solar electricity by each paying a little more than $4,000 for an individual 900-watt solar system. This program works to make renewable energy more accessible to the general public and rewards the individual who coordinates and recruits the group with their own free solar electric system.
Solar hot water
Solar hot water systems are also powered by energy from the sun and can provide hot water for domestic use. Arine de Bordes from Purasol Natural Energy says that using the sun to heat water is a natural and viable alternative to expensive electricity-generated hot water: “With a solar thermal system, water temperatures will increase 40 degrees [F] in three hours on a sunny day.”
Some companies like Purasol Natural Energy – which offers solar, wind and hydro options – also sell additional electricity-saving sustainable products such as solar-powered stoves, well pumps, swimming pool pumps, street lamps, pool heaters and fountains.
Wind energy
Micro-wind turbines use kinetic energy to generate electricity, and work best in either wide-open spaces or areas that allow for the installation of a turbine above nearby obstructions. For domestic systems, the two most frequently used systems are freestanding and building-mounted turbines. It is important to know the wind speed of the area to determine the best type of installation. Most renewable energy companies in Costa Rica, such as Turbo Eoms, which specializes in wind energy, will offer customers assistance in determining the wind exposure of their area and deciding whether wind energy is a viable solution.
Hydroelectric energy
Micro-hydro turbines are best suited for homeowners in rural areas who have access to a constantly flowing water source. The efficiency and feasibility of such a system is highly specific to location because it is dependent on the area’s water flow and velocity. One benefit from hydroelectricity is that if there is a reliable water source, energy can be generated 24 hours a day. In order to begin construction, a permit is first needed by the Environment, Energy and Telecommunications Ministry to approve hydroelectric installations.
Saving money and the environment
The perception of higher costs associated with installing green energy equipment is what usually dissuades people from exploring renewable energy options. Although the initial installation price may mean spending more out of pocket, once the systems are in place, harnessing energy from the sun, wind and water is free.
The cost of renewable-energy systems is contingent on energy needs, which is based on factors such as the size of the building, number of residents, energy efficiency and amount of appliances. A renewable energy provider can help determine what type and size of equipment is neccesary, and give an accurate cost estimate.
Cost will fluctuate depending on the provider, output in kilowatts of the system, and quality of the equipment. Solar electricity systems can range from $24,000- $26,000 for a 5 kW system, a solar water heater tank can run about $1,500-$3,000, hydroelectric can range from $14,000-$20,000 for a 3 kW system and wind energy can range from $9,000-$12,000 for a 3 kW system.
It is also important to know that some companies offer two different distinct types of renewable energy installations: off-grid and on-grid systems. Off-grid systems are battery-powered while on grid systems are connected to a utility meter that sends excess generated energy back to the electric company grid. The state-owned Costa Rican Electricity Institute, which distributes electricity in most of the country, has a net metering system that will give credit for the additional energy produced. For foreign homeowners who only spend a portion of the year in Costa Rica, renewable energy systems will continue to generate energy and rack up credit through the net metering system, which can then be utilized while the owner is in Costa Rica. On-grid systems can also reduce initial costs by reducing or eliminating the need for battery-storage capacity.
Ultimately, renewable-energy systems benefit not only the individual by cutting back on electricity costs, but also the environment and the country. As Borner explains, renewable energy reduces expenditures on fossil fuels, a cost that comes directly out of the gross domestic product, and by decreasing that amount it means the country has more money for social problems and development
Wind turbine generates clean energy
Tico invention saves 60% electricity
Technology developed at the University of Costa Rica is traded companies
What seems far only a strange object on the roof of the School of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Costa Rica (UCR) companies could save millions in energy bills.
This is the SkyTwister, a new type of wind turbine operating in five-story buildings on and you would be able to lower the annual electricity costs by up to 60%.
The turbine is developed by physicist Carlos Acosta Nassar, who also teaches at the School and gave the intellectual rights to the UCR. This allows the institution to provide support with resources and strategies.
Acosta turbines sold to companies interested in using clean energy through its Dynamic Balance company with a license obtained from the academic center.
The turbines have a battery that is loaded at a time when the winds are more active and that it can supply electricity to the building when the air currents are slow.
If the battery is discharged, the system automatically connects to a power source that can be alternatives such as solar power or generators, or traditional as provided by the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad (ICE).
The complicated system is simple to use, search for energy sources automatically ensures that the building will never run out of electricity.
Currently, you can pay only the net consumption to ICE if you purchase a two-way meter the Compañía Nacional de Fuerza y Luz, which measures how much you spend on building and how much energy the turbine produces.
These systems are useful in months like December, when the winds are faster, because the turbine works more and can store more energy than it needs the building, which is automatically distributed to electric utilities.
It also happens at night, when the SkyTwister still running though the building is empty.
Acosta considers the idea that the turbine owners not only pay a net cost, but they can sell the excess to ICE.
Silvia Pardo
spardo@larepublica.
Turbines, music and winning pastas at Yo Emprendedor 2011
Entrepreneurship contest offer legal advice, financial and technological winners loa
A project to market wind turbines that can be used in homes and businesses was the winner of first place in national competition I Entrepreneur 2011.
Sky Twister Twister and Eo is the small turbines built by the engineer Carlos Acosta, to work on electrical systems with capacities from 1 to 100 kilowatts.
As part of the prize, Acosta will be advised on the design of your business strategy for two months by Mesoamerica Foundation. Moreover, BLP Abogados will guide you on the law.
Intel Corporation donated a laptop and Microsoft's software.
The second place went to Note's Peak, a concept that belongs to Arroyo Zarhay journalist and pianist, is to use methodologies such as board games and giant staves to streamline the processes of teaching and learning of music.
Arroyo will also receive support from Mesomamérica, BLP Abogados and Microsoft through the Windows software donation.
Finally, Pasta Per Tutti kept the third. The product, developed by Jose Sandoval, using cassava flour (gluten) to make pasta, making them accessible to the community mainly celiac country.
As for the special category, a system of internal combustion engines for cars that run on 100% hydrogen was Mention for High Growth Potential.
Similarly, organic fertilizers Curtis attained the status of Inclusive Entrepreneurship, Virtual Fairs did the same with Asovida Technological Entrepreneurship (cosmetic and medicinal products based on natural ingredients) Creative Entrepreneurship.
The awards were presented on 18 novimebre as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week 2011, held for the first time in the country
National Competition 'Yo Emprendedor 2011'
Turbines wins award for entrepreneurial idea
Project that received the award reached the final with 24 other participants
Companies such as Intel, Microsoft and Coca Cola as judges participated in the activity
Barrantes Francisco Correspondent 21/11/2011 12:00 am
A turbine project that function as windmills, designed to get more air flow more torque and friction-less, was the winning of the Business Plan Competition Entrepreneurship I 2011, held last Friday.
The proposal, called turbines EOMS, was represented by Carlos Acosta, a professor at the School of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Costa Rica.
"The project began four years ago from my office when I noticed a remarkable scientific fact: the more up there, the more wind there is, then I devote itself to seek an alternative," said Acosta.
Another award was given the award for female entrepreneurs, awarded to Asovida, a group of women who manufactured cosmetics, natural Lemon Guapiles.
Rosario Gutierrez, one of the members of Asovida, explained that this project went from being a maid to an entrepreneur.
Of a total of 210 entrepreneurial ideas that entered the contest earlier this year, we selected 25 that had the opportunity to participate in the final and present your business opportunity to a panel of judges in the Elevator Pitch Competition called, and before representatives of transnational corporations like Microsoft, Intel and Coca Cola, among others.
Ernest Gallo, director of Entrepreneur I said that this call makes visible the "ecosystem" that is being developed, which provides an opportunity for projects to be presented to investors, mentors and judges.
The second and third places were the ideas Note's Peak and Pasta Per Tutti. Other project participants also received awards and commendations.