Eco Spin: Sustainable Energy Through XR Design
Project Overview
Eco Spin is an innovative XR project exploring unconventional renewable energy generation by capturing wind energy produced by moving buses on highways. Through detailed AR and VR prototyping, this project demonstrates how kinetic energy from vehicle movement can be harnessed and stored in underground batteries, creating a sustainable energy solution in urban environments.
Problem Statement
Traditional wind turbines require significant space and specific environmental conditions. Urban areas face energy challenges but lack suitable locations for conventional renewable energy infrastructure. Eco Spin addresses this by utilizing an untapped energy resource: the wind generated by vehicles on busy highways.
Solution Approach
My solution combines engineering principles with XR technology to visualize, prototype, and demonstrate how roadside wind turbines can capture energy from passing vehicles. The project uses both AR and VR experiences to communicate this sustainable innovation effectively.
Process & Development
Concept Development
Inspired by alternative wind turbine designs, I researched kinetic energy capture from moving vehicles and explored existing technologies in this space. This led to the Eco Spin concept: small-scale wind turbines strategically placed along highways to harness wind energy created by passing buses.
Research & Planning
Conducted extensive research on wind energy principles
Explored various wind turbine designs suited for roadside environments
Analyzed vehicle movement patterns and potential energy output
Created a comprehensive project timeline spanning 12 weeks
3D Asset Creation
Using Blender, I designed and modeled:
Detailed bus models with realistic dimensions
Highway environment with accurate proportions
Custom wind turbine devices optimized for roadside placement
Environmental elements for context (grass, pavement, curbs)
AR Implementation
The augmented reality component allows users to:
Visualize the wind turbine placement in real-world settings
Understand the spatial relationship between buses, highways and energy devices
See real-time simulations of energy generation in action
AR Prototype Link: AR Box Demonstration
VR Experience Development
The virtual reality experience provides:
A 360° immersive view of the Eco Spin implementation
Interactive elements demonstrating energy capture mechanics
Data visualization showing potential energy generation statistics
VR Experience Links:
Technical Highlights
Technology Stack
3D Modeling: Blender for all asset creation
AR Development: AR.js library for augmented reality experiences
VR Development: A-Frame framework for web-based virtual reality
Hosting & Testing: Glitch for rapid prototyping and deployment
Key Features
Detailed 3D models with realistic physics properties
Interactive wind simulation based on vehicle movement
Data collection and visualization components
Cross-platform compatibility for wide accessibility
Challenges & Solutions
Technical Challenges
Challenge: Animating assets across platforms created compatibility issues between Blender and Glitch.
Solution: Restructured the animation approach and implemented alternative rendering methods.
Challenge: Creating realistic wind energy capture visualization without oversimplifying the physics.
Solution: Developed a hybrid representation that balances scientific accuracy with clear visual communication.
Design Challenges
Challenge: Ensuring the roadside turbines appeared practical and non-intrusive.
Solution: Iterated through multiple design phases, focusing on sleek profiles and minimal footprint.
Project Impact
Environmental Benefits
Potential to generate renewable energy from existing infrastructure
Zero additional land use requirements
Complementary to existing green energy initiatives
Reduces reliance on fossil fuels in urban environments
Educational Value
Demonstrates unconventional thinking in sustainability solutions
Showcases XR as a powerful tool for environmental education
Provides an accessible visualization of complex energy concepts
Learning Outcomes
This project significantly enhanced my skills in:
3D modeling and environment creation
AR/VR development for practical applications
Interdisciplinary problem-solving across engineering and design
Project management through complex development cycles
Sustainable design thinking and environmental innovation
Future Development
Integration with actual traffic data to predict energy output
Enhanced simulation capabilities showing energy storage and distribution
Prototype testing in controlled highway environments
Development of a comprehensive educational module for schools
Project Gallery
Eco Spin was developed as part of the "Designing XR Products for Sustainability" course.