Engineers Without Borders

Wind Turbine Project – OSU Corvallis Campus

Nighttime security lighting is poor on the Oregon State University campus.  It is expensive to run the campus lighting system, so it is shuts off at 10pm.  To solve this problem in a uniquely effective manner we wish to use wind energy to provide security lighting.

Imagine the effect on students of seeing little white wind turbines dotting the campus each day.  Their curiosity will lead them to read plaques explaining how these systems are providing better security in an environmentally and financially responsible manner.  Moreover, this sustainable solution will demonstrate that renewable energy can be a practical part of our lives.

The whole idea is that Wind Turbines can potentially have an economic value in the Willamette Valley.  As most of the wind charts suggest, there isn’t a large amount of wind in the valley.  However, with a ‘Wind Ramp’ outcomes can be different.  A professor here at Oregon State patented this ‘Wind Ramp’ to theoretically accelerate the air over the buildings.  Having one of these ramps be placed in front of a 300W sized turbine could harness much more wind.

We have made progress thus far.  The university has let us use most of the buildings to begin the initial testing of the wind speed.  This will be important when testing the ramp vs. non ramp wind speeds to see if there is even a difference.  We would like to be as scientific as possible to later apply this to something grander.

We are also discovering some lighting and storage systems that we will ultimately use in conjunction with the wind turbines.  We are trying to optimize the largest lighting with smallest input of energy.  We are looking most at LEDs, but we have yet to make a firm decision.

All the group members are enthusiastic about this project.  It is especially nice to receive support from other environmental groups.  EWB-OSU really hopes that we can bring awareness and publicity to one of the most exciting sectors: Renewable Energy.

If you are interested in getting involved with the Wind Turbine project, please contact the project coordinator, listed under the Officers tab of this website.