Conference Session

Design Based Energy Education

Collection

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Oxana S Pantchenko, University of California at Santa Cruz; Tiffany Wise-West P.E., University of California Santa Cruz; Michael S. Isaacson, University of California, Santa Cruz; Ali Shakouri Shakouri, Purdue University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

 of Santa Cruz, CA (the City) are evaluatingrenewable energy technologies, in particular solar, and wind power generation at the Santa CruzMunicipal Wharf (the Wharf). The City  is located on the central coast of California and while itsclimatic patterns are suboptimal for reliance on single intermittent technology for  renewable energygeneration, the coastal location is a prime opportunity to understand how to optimize amultiple­technology distributed microgrid. See Figures 1 and 2 for location and renewable energyresource availability details. Page 23.537.2 Figure 1 The location of the City of Santa Cruz (top

Conference Session

New Concepts for Alternative and Renewable Energy Courses

Collection

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Radian G Belu, Drexel University (Tech.)

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

instrumentation is implemented. The virtual platform realized using the LabVIEW,Interactive Data Language, Maple and MATLAB/Simulink environments. It will providestudents with enhanced tools of study, virtual experiments on renewable energy sources, energyconversion and hybrid power systems. The proposed system provides the learner withinformation about the most important functions, principles and operational problems of each ofthe renewable energy sources and energy systems included.1. IntroductionEnvironmental concerns, the ever-increasing needs for power generation, depletion of the fossilfuel reserves, and steady progress in power deregulation have created increased interest inenvironmentally conscious distributed power generation. Of particular

Conference Session

Topics in Energy Management

Collection

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Jaime Ramos-Salas P.E., University of Texas, Pan American; Emmanuel Benitez, University of Texas, Pan American; Leonel Aguilera, University of Texas, Pan American

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

thefuture. A milestone that connects us to a smart grid is to have a smart meter with an energymanagement system.In our case, we can consider the data acquisition for this system equivalent to a smart meter. Inour EMS implementation, the system acquires the price of electricity in real-time. For obtaining Page 23.652.2such prices, we rely on the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) for information on theelectricity bulk price. “The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) manages the flow ofelectric power to 23 million Texas customers - representing 85 percent of the state's electricload.” [1].In this paper, we describe the data

Conference Session

Electrical Energy Courses, Labs, and Projects II

Collection

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Herbert L. Hess, University of Idaho, Moscow; Brian Peterson, U.S. Air Force Academy; Susan Elmore, US Air Force Academy ; Al DUPE Mundy, United States Air Force Academy

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

.8 The programsmentioned here are by no means exhaustive, but merely representative.DescriptionThe complete circuit set consists of four student units and one instructor unit. The four studentunits have one each of the following fully functional circuits:  Three-way light switch set  Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) circuit  Household mains circuit breaker panel, security light, and single standard outlet  Switched outlet circuitWiring diagrams for each circuit are shown in Figures 1-4. The instructor unit has all four of Page 23.654.3these circuits already assembled on a single panel

Conference Session

Design Based Energy Education

Collection

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Jennifer M Peuker, University of Alaska, Anchorage; Steffen Peuker, University of Alaska Anchorage

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

studentswere asked to complete an engineering analysis, code the equations, and check answers. By work-ing through the analysis on paper and using EES to solve, the students are learning/practicing notonly the theory and analysis, but also translating equations into a coded program. Using EES alsoallows for larger problems to be solved than that could easily be done by hand calculations, includ-ing solving problems that require iteration or optimization. Each in-class activity was completedin groups of two. The following are details for two in-class activities: a heat exchanger problemand a piping network design problem.The heat exchanger problem—shown in Figure 1; full details and handouts are in Appendix A.1—asked the students to determine for a

Conference Session

Electrical Energy Courses, Labs, and Projects I

Collection

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Hirak C Patangia, University of Arkansas, Little Rock

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

: Page 23.844.2Fig.1 Block diagram showing various components of a solar photovoltaic systemThe laboratory activities are to correspond to each or a combination of the topics and to beculminated by the design and testing of a stand-alone/grid connected PV system. Laboratoryactivities will include simulation, modeling, and experimentation using commercial size panels.The PV voltage of the panels mounted on building rooftop has been fed directly to thelaboratory. This will provide a realistic learning experience and facilitate experimentation undervarying insolation and weather conditions.3. COURSE MODULE DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIESA comprehensive research on the published books and materials was undertaken to examine thecurrent state of available

Conference Session

Training and Workforce Needs in the Energy Sector

Collection

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Robert Gilbert, Sinclair Community College

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

Page 23.279.2 Biodiesel Processor and a KioskAs the renewable energy program grew, another budget allocation funded the purchase of anoff-grid solar photovoltaic system, a solar thermal system, and a 1 kW wind turbine. Furtherequipment purchases were funded through the acquisition of grants and appropriations. Thelaboratory now has equipment to test the biodiesel fuel produced which is used in thegrounds equipment to mow the grass and sweep the snow. To support the residential energyefficiency courses, there are blower doors, duct blasters, combustion analyzers, thermalimaging equipment and insulation blowing equipment. The renewable energy courses arefurther supported with a 1.4 kW additional solar photovoltaic

Conference Session

Topics in Energy Management

Collection

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Kendrick T. Aung, Lamar University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

an energy system, a method is needed that incorporates the role of both initialcapital costs and ongoing operating costs. One of the tools commonly used and accepted byindustry is known as Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE)3-5. LCOE is a useful metric used tocompare an owner’s life-cycle cost by converting all costs into a single cost of electricity rate,usually expressed in cents or dollars per kilowatt-hour of electricity4. The levelized cost per unitof energy output provides a way to combine all cost factors into a cost-per-unit measure that iscomparable between technologies3. It can be defined as3 Eq. (1)where total annual cost = annualized capital

Conference Session

Topics in Energy Management

Collection

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Andrew Lau, Pennsylvania State University, University Park

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

usesover the course of a year. The project was piloted by Prof. Lau in spring semester 2010, and infall semester 2010, two other faculty used it, followed by spring 2011 when two additionalfaculty utilized the project. The experiences and practices from these semesters was reported atthe 2012 ASEE meeting in San Antonio.1 Page 23.448.2The project is intended to take seven to eight weeks to complete. It is also designed to utilizeteam-based active learning in the classroom. Most importantly, it serves as a rich context forlearning and applying engineering design principles and selected analytical concepts, mostnotably conservation of energy and

Conference Session

Topics in Biomass and Gasification Processes

Collection

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Madhumi Mitra Ph.D, University of Maryland Eastern Shore; Abhijit Nagchaudhuri, University of Maryland, Eastern Shore; Corinne Johnson Rutzke, Corinne Rutzke

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

. Page 23.481.21.0 IntroductionIn the last couple of years, significant effort has been devoted at the University of MarylandEastern Shore (UMES) to develop a broad-based multidisciplinary framework encompassing theSTEAM disciplines to promote education and research in bio-energy and bio-products.Significant support from United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) through theAgriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) and 1890 Capacity Building Programs (CBG)have not only helped initiate and sustain the efforts but also have set the stage for involving 1890land grant colleges such as to play a positive role in realizing the vision outlined in the 2012National Bio-economy Blueprint of President Obama [1]. Today's television commercials

Conference Session

Electrical Energy Courses, Labs, and Projects I

Collection

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Ona Egbue, Missouri University of Science and Technology, Rolla MO; Suzanna Long, Missouri University of Science & Technology; Ean-Harn Ng, Oregon State University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

minority,in the engineering education pipeline.In addition to fostering the students’ interests in STEM fields, this paper uses Bloom’sTaxonomy to assess the knowledge and comprehension levels of the participants of theworkshop. More specifically, the main objectives of this study are 1. To evaluate the students’ knowledge and perceptions related to electric vehicles. 2. To translate graduate research in clear and simple terms to the participants and assess their learning during the workshop.The design of this study centers on the cognitive domain of bloom’s taxonomy, specifically,focusing on the knowledge and comprehension levels. The educational material was deliveredthrough lecture, and a demonstration of the working of the battery

Conference Session

Design Based Energy Education

Collection

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Alamgir A. Choudhury, Western Michigan University; Jorge Rodriguez PhD, MBA, Western Michigan University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

curriculum.1. IntroductionPresently, 82% energy used in the world is produced from fossil based fuel. Over 80% of the energy usedin USA originates in coal, oil or natural gas [2]. Environmental concern, global warming, finite reserveand cost of fossil fuel have changed the nature of products sought by consumers. Demand for energyefficient products, from a simple hand held gadgets to a complex transportation system, have brought theissue of energy efficiency at the fore front of all engineering practices. Industries are also looking forwardto reduce overall energy consumption, minimize environmental impact and maximize sustainability ofproducts and processes. Governments and legislative bodies are moving forward to mandate necessarychanges in

Conference Session

Electrical Energy Courses, Labs, and Projects II

Collection

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Jennifer Ferris, Portland State University; Robert B Bass, Portland State University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

2020.5Regionally, three of the large employers of power engineers, Portland General Electric (PGE),PacifiCorp and the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), project short-term, 2015-2020,retirement percentages on the order of 60% or greater (Table 1). 6, 7 In addition, technological,regulatory and political changes are resulting in increased investment in power systems planningand capital investment, further driving the demand for power engineers.Table 1 Eligible and projected retirements of engineers in 2015 and 2020 at the two local investor owned utilitiesand BPA; data collected by the Oregon and SW Washington Energy Consortium, of which PGE, PacifiCorp and BPAare members. Current Eligible for Projected to

Conference Session

Electrical Energy Courses, Labs, and Projects II

Collection

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Hayrettin Bora Karayaka, Western Carolina University; Robert D. Adams, Western Carolina University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

graduates in the department of engineering and technology at WCU,developing an emphasis in electric power engineering plays a vital role in educating the nextgeneration of the region’s power industry workforce.To that end, an undergraduate curriculum development effort was planned and is projected totrain, prepare for research, and educate the students enrolled in the Department of Engineeringand Technology for careers in the power industry. The curriculum includes three fundamentalpower engineering courses: 1. Power Systems 2. Power Electronics 3. Electrical Machines and DrivesThis paper describes in detail the first pilot implementation of the Power Systems coursecomponent entitled “Modern Power Systems Analysis” for Electrical and

Conference Session

Electrical Energy Courses, Labs, and Projects I

Collection

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Faruk Yildiz, Sam Houston State University; Keith L. Coogler, Sam Houston State University; Bill Crockford, Sam Houston State University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

potential applications.IntroductionDevices that scavenge energy from the ambient surrounding environment have become a populartopic for research. For some applications, energy scavenging eliminates the need for batteries orincrease the time between battery replacements. One ambient energy source found in ourenvironment is a temperature change (thermoelectric-Seebeck) effect. This form of ambientenergy is found in buildings, machines, bridges, staircases, furnaces, indoor and outdoortemperature differences, and the human body. The use of TEGs based on thermoelectric effects(or Seebeck, Peltier, Thomson effect) is made possible by direct conversion of temperaturedifferences to electrical power [1-6]. The Seebeck effect occurs when a temperature

Conference Session

Topics in Biomass and Gasification Processes

Collection

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Matthew J. Traum, Milwaukee School of Engineering; Kyle Pace; Jeremy R Anderson, EASENET

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

, syngas produced by the gasifieryielded a hotter flame than did direct wood chip combustion because the gasifier’s fuelconsumption rate was higher and neither system adiabatically contained the flames.IntroductionAccording to DeWaters and Powers [1] and to Condoor [2] lack of energy-related knowledgeamong American students and the general public is endemic. As the world transitions toward arenewable energy future, familiarity with energy and sustainability concepts will becomeincreasingly important. For example the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 505,000engineering positions across all disciplines opening by 2016, a 10.6% increase over 2006 levels

Conference Session

Topics in Biomass and Gasification Processes

Collection

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Wookwon Lee, Gannon University; Harry R. Diz, Gannon University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

interaction with an industry partner.1. Background and Problem DefinitionAgricultural residues are those vegetative materials produced around the world that are not usefulfor their food or other value. One such material produced in the region is grape pomace. Grapepomace is the residual fruit solids remaining after pressing plus the expended filter paper left fromthe vacuum filtration process used to extract the juice from the press. In rare cases, the pomace canbe used as fodder or fertilizer, but in most cases, it is discarded as a waste and must be truckedfrom the fruit processing plant back to the fields where it decomposes, yielding little benefit to thefarmer since it typically contains few nutrients. As one of the nation’s grape harvesting

Conference Session

New Concepts for Alternative and Renewable Energy Courses

Collection

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Craig J. Hoff, Kettering University; Jennifer Aurandt, Kettering University; Matthew R. O'Toole, Kettering University; Gregory W. Davis, Kettering University; Steven Nartker, Kettering University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

opportunities and challenges associated with producing andutilizing biofuels. This paper provides a summary how biofuel learning activities have beenintegrated into the educational program.IntroductionLearning experiences are greatly improved when students are intrinsically motivated by thesubject matter. An intrinsically motivated student will undertake an activity "for its own sake, forthe enjoyment it provides, the learning it permits, or the feelings of accomplishment it evokes.1”An extrinsically motivated student performs "in order to obtain some reward or avoid somepunishment external to the activity itself.1" Studies show that intrinsically motivated studentstend to employ strategies that demand more effort and that enable them to process

Conference Session

Electrical Energy Courses, Labs, and Projects I

Collection

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Dale H. Litwhiler, Pennsylvania State University, Berks Campus; Elizabeth Wiggins-Lopez, PSU-Berks

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

withnew devices for occupied space environmental control. Students are very motivated to createdevices that positively influence their learning environment. This paper presents details ofstudent projects which interface with the microgrid system. Details of the microgridinfrastructure are also presented and discussed.IntroductionEngineering technology students at Penn State - Berks are involved with an innovative andemerging technology in the area of indoor building energy distribution. With the help of industrypartners of the Emerge Alliance® consortium, an engineering laboratory/classroom has beenconverted to use a 24VDC system to power its lighting needs.1 The 24VDC power is distributedthroughout the room via conductors embedded in the support

Conference Session

Training and Workforce Needs in the Energy Sector

Collection

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Hayrettin B Karayaka, Western Carolina University; Mehrube Mehrubeoglu, Texas A&M University, Corpus Christi

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

components including generation, transmission anddistribution, and protection systems. The on-site courses that have been added to the curriculumare Energy Conversion, Power Transmission and Distribution and Power Protection Systems.These three on-site courses are senior elective level courses to define “power emphasis” in theprogram, particularly, in Electrical Engineering Technology.The certificate courses also include additional two on-line courses that are offered by NPI. Thesecourses are selected with advising faculty’s guidance from the online course offerings providedby NPI which include: 1. Nuclear Power Plant Fundamentals 2. Nuclear Power Plant Systems – PWR (Pressurized Water Reactors) 3. Nuclear Power Plant Systems – BWR (Boiling

Conference Session

Design Based Energy Education

Collection

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Syed Mohammed Tahmid, Naval Air Systems Command; Bilal Saleh Gill; Kee M Park, Queensborough Community College; Yeong Ryu, State University of New York, Farmingdale; SangHoon Lee, Polytechnic Institute of New York University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

build up and ensures theheating of clean water.Cavitation Heat Pump System Initial SetupThe cavitation heat pump system (see Figure 1) initially consists of an electrical motor,cavitation heat pump, water tank, piping, gauges, and all necessary peripherals. The electricalmotor is interfaced with the cavitation heat pump using a rubber belt, which converts electricalenergy into thermal energy through cavitation induced by the rotation of the working fluid. Thecavitation heat pump decreases the pressure of water to a point below its saturation pressure,which consequently induces cavitation. Energy is released in the form of heat when the bubblescollapse, causes the water temperature to rise. (a

Conference Session

Topics in Biomass and Gasification Processes

Collection

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Drew Witte, IUPUI; Peter J. Schubert, IUPUI

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

offset use ofnon-renewable fuels to power the needs of society. To the extent this can be accomplished in acost effective way, communities can improve their resiliency, sustainability, and economics. Page 23.949.2  II. Student InvolvementBecause the “Old Blue” GPOXwas located an hour and a halffrom our campus, a group often students participated inday-long site visits to studyOld Blue, and made key designupgrades to the gasifier. Thefirst site visit was on June 21,shortly after Old Blue wasreceived at the facility ofcorporate partner SAIC (seeFigure 1). During the first sitevisit, students were given anassignment from SAIC:“Make an assessment

Conference Session

Training and Workforce Needs in the Energy Sector

Collection

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Sungwon S. Kim, Minnesota State University, Mankato; Patrick A. Tebbe, Minnesota State University, Mankato

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

instructional videos.III. Real World Training Site (Butler Square)Following the basic introduction to energy benchmarking it was desired to give the studentssome real world exposure. Through industry relations, contact was first made with EnergyPrint.This company does benchmarking and dashboard energy analysis for companies and buildings.They agreed to help provide the students with data on an existing building as a training tool. Figure 1: Butler Square building (http://www.butlersquare.com/photos.htm#).Through them contact was made with the Butler Square building (Figure 1), a warehouse that has Page 23.968.4been converted to an office building

Conference Session

Electrical Energy Courses, Labs, and Projects I

Collection

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Al DUPE Mundy, United States Air Force Academy; Andrew Laffely, US Air Force Academy; Bryan John Cooper, United States Air Force; George York, U.S. Air Force Academy; Herbert L. Hess, University of Idaho, Moscow

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

commercial power. Easy setup and teardown facilitates off-campusdemonstrations at diverse venues such as university football games, local schools, and localenergy/STEM related events. The partially completed system has already been displayed at several AirForce football games as well as a local sustainability conference. Figure 1 below shows our electric off-road vehicle on display at the 2012 Colorado Sustainability Conference. Page 23.1000.3 Figure 1. USAFA Electric Off-Road Vehicle on DisplayNeed for GREEN and a Push for STEM through OutreachMost people would agree the United States is not producing sufficient high

Conference Session

Design Based Energy Education

Collection

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Bill M. Diong, Southern Polytechnic State University; Scott J. Tippens, Southern Polytechnic State University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

student team calculated the shading percentage itproduces in comparison to the (conventional) arrangement shown in Fig. 1b for various angles ofthe sun, and various angles of the assumed square PV cells (see Fig. 2a), allowing for somesun-tracking imprecision. This was a straightforward yet good exercise on the subject ofTrigonometry for them, and the percentage differences between the shaded areas per cell aredisplayed in Fig. 2b. Pivot rod PV cell (a) (b) Fig. 1. Five-cell by three-column illustration of the (a) ‘diamondback’ cell arrangement, and

Conference Session

Topics in Biomass and Gasification Processes

Collection

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Hong Zhang, Rowan University; Jess W. Everett, Rowan University; Jessica Tryner, Rowan University

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

students developed aseries of pressing devices and processes for the purpose. Then they compared the strength,burning rate and duration of burning of the briquettes, as well the difficulties to obtain binderand process the material. They finally settled to an easy to follow recipe and a very simpledevice to press the loose shells to briquettes. In the January of 2012, a student team went to 8remote villages in rural Gambia. They demonstrated the briquetting process to the local people.The team was warmly received and all villages agreed to try out the method so they couldpreserve the dwindling forest while supporting the growing community.1 IntroductionThe Gambia is a small country located at the tip of West Africa. A relatively peaceful life

Conference Session

Electrical Energy Courses, Labs, and Projects II

Collection

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Ramadan Elmoudi, University at Buffalo; Ilya Y. Grinberg, Buffalo State College; Mohammed Safiuddin, University at Buffalo, SUNY

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

, concept to understand in electrical powersystems. Reactive power compensation is considered as a powerful tool for optimizing the powerflow on transmission networks. Inadequate reactive power leads to voltage collapses and hasbeen a major cause of several recent major power outages worldwide 1. Reactive powercompensation can be provided by using FACTS devices, which are power electronics-baseddevices that control and regulate the power flow within the power system. They are capable toreroute power through the optimum available paths regardless of the dynamics of the powersystem. Clear understanding of the principles of FACTS devices and how they affect thebehavior of the power system becomes easier after grasping the fundamentals of

Conference Session

Training and Workforce Needs in the Energy Sector

Collection

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Wajiha Shireen, University of Houston (CoT); Radhakrishna Kotti, University of Houston (CoE); Jesus Arturo Villanueva

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

its curriculum to train productive and qualified power engineers. The academia needsto do further research to understand the industry trends and gather information as to what has Page 23.1069.2changed and what are currently common best practices in the industry. The challenge faced byacademia is to come up with an updated curriculum at both the undergraduate and graduate levelthat provides the knowledge base of fundamental concepts along with nurturing expertise incross functional disciplines[1].Currently in the industry there are quite a few visionary manufacturers who are contributing intosmart grid applications; some of the names include GE

Conference Session

Topics in Energy Management

Collection

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Esther T. Ososanya, University of the District of Columbia; Sasan Haghani, University of the District of Columbia; Wagdy H Mahmoud, University of the District of Columbia

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

paper presents the detaileddesign of a flexible low-cost Wi-Fi enabled cloud monitoring device by undergraduate electricaland computer engineering students in a capstone senior design project class.Keywords: Smart meters, Power monitoring devices, Embedded Systems design, Electrical andComputer Engineering capstone design projects.1. Introduction:Cloud computing is increasingly used by corporations for storing digital information. As aresult, the ability to monitor, and manage the power consumption of servers in a cloud network isessential. “Cloud computing is a model for enabling convenient on-demand network access to ashared pool of configurable computing resources (e.g. network servers, storage, applications, andservices) with minimal

Conference Session

New Concepts for Alternative and Renewable Energy Courses

Collection

2013 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Narayanan M. Komerath, Georgia Institute of Technology; Akshay Milind Pendharkar, Georgia Institute of Technology; Vrishank Raghav, Georgia Institute of Technology

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

renewablepower generators. A news report in Britain in the early 2000s cited the dire danger to the Page 23.1222.2emerging renewable energy industry that results as purchasers of power generators experienceperformance and cost recovery far below advertised levels. An informal survey by a high schoolstudent at our lab, conducted in the summer of 2011, studied the advertised performance (ratedpower), rated windspeed and capture area of wind turbines over a large range of sizes. He foundthat for wind turbines with power levels on the order of 1 MW, rated power claims were quiteconservative when viewed against the wind energy contained in the capture area