Research in Wind Energy
For information contact Principal Investigators
Janet M. Twomey, PhD and Michael Overcash, PhD
(v) 316-978-5908
janet.twomey@wichita.edu
mrovercash@earthlink.net
Funded by the Department of Energy
The College of Engineering (CoE) at Wichita State University (WSU) is engaged in research and development in the area of wind energy, drawing from advances in technology from the aerospace and power systems industries, communications and social science, and expertise in life cycle analysis. The overall objective of the 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, resistance by some communities to adopt wind energy, and lack of quantifiable environmental impact information. A consortium of wind energy researchers provides advice to industry and policy makers, educate students, and offer a portal for information exchange.