Wind Turbine

The Wind Turbine Project was initiated in order to create an opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience with traditional and developing technology in the growing wind power industry. At the same time students are designing and constructing basic power generation devices that could be easily replicated in developing communities. Finally, as we familiarize ourselves with the technology we generate a campus-wide educational opportunity. This project will serve as a precursor to familiarize the campus with wind technology in anticipation of the University’s recent investment in three 1.5 MW turbines. At the same time we hope to incorporate interchangeable aspects in our design so that the wind turbine may be used as a learning tool and enable the implementation of more hands-on experience in the engineering curriculum.  Over last year, the team designed and built the blades, generator and tail of the turbine, and had the power conversion circuitry implemented by an EE senior design group. Information on previous work can be seen at my netfiles here and at the senior design website here (look for project 43). This semester, our aim is to perform required mechanical testing on the blades, characterize the electrical output, find a suitable application for our power output and satisfy all safety requirements to get University Approval for installing the turbine. The Current Meeting Time is 8pm Thursdays at the Illini Union Courtyard Cafe - email Dan Krogstad at dkrogsta [at] uiuc [dot] edu or Suhail Barot at sbarot [at] uiuc [dot] edu for more information or to get involved!