Wichita State University's College of Engineering will host a Wind Energy Research Symposium Thursday, March 26, in the National Institute for Aviation Research, Room 307.
Admission is free.
From 9 a.m.-noon, Michael Overcash, department of industrial and manufacturing, and department of mechanical engineering at WSU, will present "Life Cycle Workshop for the Wind Energy and Manufacturing Communities."
The objectives of the workshop include:
- Establishment of an improved understanding of life cycle thinking;
- Overview of life cycle inventory technology, methods and current results for wind components, systems and other manufacturers (these are the elements to be used by companies in decision-making);
- Establishment of an advisory committee to build an accessible manufacturing life cycle database for use by the wind energy and manufacturing communities.
From 1-5 p.m., attendees will have the opportunity to visit with researchers about their findings and the potential impact of the project.
During the past year, WSU's College of Engineering has engaged in research activities that draw from aviation design and manufacturing research to target issues critical to the widespread deployment of wind energy.
The symposium will include presentations and posters summarizing research and findings that address:
- Grid connectivity
- Reduction of operations/maintenance costs through sensor technology/condition monitoring
- Improved durability through nanotechnology
- Improved methods for composite manufacturing
- Green wind energy through life cycle assessment
- Energy storage
- Logistics and scheduling
For more information, go to http://www.wichita.edu/sustainability. The event is
supported by the U.S. Department of Energy.