Wind Energy Research Symposium
On March 26, 2009, WSU's College of Engineering hosted a Wind Energy Research Symposium highlighting the research conducted in year one of a Department of Energy grant. During the morning session, Dr. Michael Overcash presented the first in a series of workshops devoted to industry personnel interested in the principles of life cycle thinking and database development for decision-making. From 1:00 - 5:00pm faculty and students involved in the grant hosted a poster session to discuss the research and development from year one of the grant, and their goals and plans for the future. Both events were open to the public and over 70 people attended. The Symposium was an important part of WSU's efforts to promote the development of a wind industry in Kansas.
Following are the presentations by WSU faculty and students (pdf files):
UV Degradation Prevention on Fiber-Reinforced Composite Blades
Networked Monitoring and Control of Small Interconnected Wind Energy Systems
Operational Excellence in Wind Energy Logistics and Supply Chains
Intelligent Manufacturing of Hybrid Carbon-Glass Fiber-Reinforced Composite Wind Turbine Blades
Health Monitoring of Wind Turbines
Wind Generation Systems –Use of Life Cycle Information
Green Wind Energy, Environmental Impacts through Life-cycle
Project Objectives
The College of Engineering (CoE) at Wichita State University (WSU) is conducting research and development in the area of wind energy, drawing from advances in technology from the aerospace and power systems industries, and expertise in life cycle analysis. The overall objective of this effort is to advance the economy of Kansas through the creation of new knowledge of energy production and products for the advancement of wind energy systems. The impediments to more economical and efficient wind energy systems targeted by this effort include the following: lack of access and integration of sustainable energy technologies (wind) into existing energy infrastructure, high cost of wind energy due to low reliability and high cost of wind-turbine maintenance, and lack of quantifiable environmental impact information. This research project attempts to addresses those impediments and meet the technology barriers to wind energy identified by the Wind and Hydropower Technologies Program, Department of Energy (Wind Energy Multiyear Program Plan for 2007–2012). A CoE consortium of wind energy researchers has been created to provide advice to industry and policy makers, educate students, and offer a portal for information exchange.