WiscWind Aerodynamics and Materials
Problem statement
As concerns about climate change and rising sea levels increase across the globe, renewable energy is in high demand to build a more sustainable environment. Over the last twenty years, wind energy production has increased from 6 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) to 380 billion kWh [1]. Additionally, as of 2022, wind turbines are now responsible for approximately 10% of the U.S. electricity generation [1]. This massive growth indicates that wind turbines are in high demand to address energy concerns in modern times. However, wind turbine farms are known to take up large amounts of land, and financial incentives have discouraged offshore wind turbine development since the Covid-19 Pandemic [2]. To address these concerns, our team is working in collaboration with the WiscWind student organization at UW-Madison to develop a working model of an offshore wind turbine for the Collegiate Wind Competition hosted by the Department of Energy. The aim of the competition is to design a compact and efficient wind turbine for use in offshore wind farms. Previous iterations of the WiscWind turbine lacked thorough aerodynamic analysis, leading to suboptimal turbine performance. We will support the WiscWind Team by designing and manufacturing blades and an aerodynamic shell, called a nacelle. By optimizing the aerodynamics of the turbine, we can increase the efficiency, ultimately reducing the cost to produce energy and promote the overall viability of wind energy.
[1] ‘Wind explained – Electricity generation from wind,’ U.S. Energy Information Administration – EIA – independent statistics and analysis, https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/wind/electricity-generation-from-wind.php#:~:text=Wind%20electricity%20generation%20has%20increased%20significantly&text=Total%20annu al%20U.S.%20electricity%20generation,U.S.%20utility%2Dscale%20electricity%20generation (accessed Sep. 22, 2023).
[2] N. Chestney and S. Twidale, ‘Explainer: Why the offshore wind power industry has hit turbulence,’ Reuters, https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/why-wind-power-industry-has-hit-turbulence-2023-06-26/#:~:text=Among%20the%20issues%20which%20arise,of%20lightning%20strikes%20and%20repairs (accessed Sep. 22, 2023).
Team members
Vinaayak Puliyadi – leader
Samuel Fronek – communicator
Rahul Polavarapu – accountant
Collin Ariagno – admin
Client
Scott Williams
Wisconsin Energy Institute/WiscWind