University of Louisville
Domestic Alternative Energy Initiatives for Louisville Kentucky: STUDY 1 (Lauer): Integrating a Low Output Wind Turbine into an Alternative Energy Supply Network for Domestic Use, in Louisville, Kentucky
Institution
University of Louisville
Faculty Advisor/ Mentor
Keith R. Mountain
Abstract
Over the past decade much attention has been directed toward the implementation of alternative energy sources to that produced by fossil fuels. While solar voltaics have a demonstrated capacity to provide useful levels of power, generation of electricity by wind turbines has been less studied except within large wind farms with turbines capable of producing power in the 6-9 Megawatt range. A great variety of smaller wind turbines are now on the commercial market and have the potential to produce power for small-scale domestic consumption. This study presents the results of the potential for wind generated power within the urban environment of Louisville, Kentucky. The capacity of the system to produce power is tested against measured wind speeds and direction at the study site in conjunction with winds speeds recorded at three Kentucky Mesonet sites surrounding the City (Bullitt, Meade and Oldham Counties). The wind turbine is an ALEKO, three blade generator capable of producing up to 450 Watts at peak wind speeds. Results indicate that the system is capable of producing useful power as a supplement to a solar voltaic array and is particularly critical at times when solar input levels are low and when inclement weather typically brings higher winds.
Domestic Alternative Energy Initiatives for Louisville Kentucky: STUDY 1 (Lauer): Integrating a Low Output Wind Turbine into an Alternative Energy Supply Network for Domestic Use, in Louisville, Kentucky
Over the past decade much attention has been directed toward the implementation of alternative energy sources to that produced by fossil fuels. While solar voltaics have a demonstrated capacity to provide useful levels of power, generation of electricity by wind turbines has been less studied except within large wind farms with turbines capable of producing power in the 6-9 Megawatt range. A great variety of smaller wind turbines are now on the commercial market and have the potential to produce power for small-scale domestic consumption. This study presents the results of the potential for wind generated power within the urban environment of Louisville, Kentucky. The capacity of the system to produce power is tested against measured wind speeds and direction at the study site in conjunction with winds speeds recorded at three Kentucky Mesonet sites surrounding the City (Bullitt, Meade and Oldham Counties). The wind turbine is an ALEKO, three blade generator capable of producing up to 450 Watts at peak wind speeds. Results indicate that the system is capable of producing useful power as a supplement to a solar voltaic array and is particularly critical at times when solar input levels are low and when inclement weather typically brings higher winds.